"Ebikes are cheating, you aren't getting a workout"
Posted by alttabbins@reddit | ebikes | View on Reddit | 648 comments
Even after losing over 150 pounds, people still told had to chime in with their dumb comments about how ebikes are cheating, or how it wasn't actually a workout. I went from over 430 pounds (I don't know how much that was the highest the scale would go) to 260 pounds and people I worked with always condescendingly said "ohh your bike has a motor" when they would look at my bike. Someone made a post today asking if you get a workout, well this is my answer to that question. I made some diet changes too, but buying my ebike was the best choice I have made in a very long time. I know the physical change is very evident, but nobody sees the mental changes too. I have been happier and in a better place in my head than any other time in my life.
Taurion_Bruni@reddit
10 miles on an ebike is better than 0 miles on a non e bike
Gatekeeping exercising is really cringe behavior.
Congrats on the weight loss OP!!!
slirpo@reddit
I'm willing to bet that all of these "oh but it has a motor" people don't even ride regular bicycles
alttabbins@reddit (OP)
There was one lady at my job who was the most vocal about it. I'm not saying to this to make fun of her or anything but she was pretty close to my weight when I was bigger, and still had something to say about my life choices. I don't get why people feel like they need to comment on other life choices when they can't even sort their own.
yung_bistecca@reddit
There is no ill will whatsoever in my question but why does one choose an ebike over a normal bike? I mean I get mobility issues and age are a huge factor, my stepdad recently made the swap to an ebike at 65, but wouldn’t doing a certain amount of kms with a motor be the same as doing a little less kms only with your legs?
jgainit@reddit
Why do you have a car instead of horse and buggy?
binarymath@reddit
And do you shift your own gears in that car, or does an auto transmission do it for you? If you're not shifting, YOU ARE CHEATING!
And do you hand crank the motor to start it, or rely on turning a key or pushing a button? If you're not cranking, YOU ARE CHEATING!
tracebusta@reddit
One of my main reasons is that I've developed asthma over the last few years, and sometimes my inhalers just don't fully help. The e-bike has me back on the road, and the throttle lets me catch my breath when needed. I also don't own a car, so this lets me commute, run errands, and just explore the area.
Gothiccheese95@reddit
It’s just fun. I mean i’m almost 26, i have no mobility issues and can ride my normal bike fine but my god since i got an ebike i can go on much longer rides and have so much more fun than on my regular mountain bike. It’s not like i zoom around either, i live in the uk so theres no throttle and i’m a bit of a scaredy cat when it comes to speed lmao. Its juts simply fun i love mine and couldn’t be without it.
tobiasvl@reddit
Speaking for myself, I have an ebike instead of a car, not instead of a normal bike. I use my ebike for commuting (in a pretty hilly city), often with my two kids, and/or groceries or whatever. A regular bike would be pretty useless in my life.
AechAechs@reddit
I’m 69, I just had to much trouble going up hills. I pedal 90% of the time, with just enough help. I love ❤️ my e-bike!
slirpo@reddit
Keep it up!! I hope to still be riding my ebike when I'm 69 😁
BranTheUnboiled@reddit
Personally my least favorite part of outdoor exercise is planning around/conserving energy for the return trip. Being able to just focus on enjoying and exerting oneself during the initial leg would be nice I would think. If I'm pooped, let the motor handle the rest of the work.
Extreme-Result6541@reddit
Sustainable commuting mostly. That's why I got one. Roads near me are too dangerous for a road bike, so mountain bike it is to take alternative routes. It's a 50km round trip. To be able to even manage this 3x a week to reduce my car use it's a fair task when I do a big amount of other training. Electric mountain bike was the answer to allow me to be able to commute more often.
alttabbins@reddit (OP)
Thats a great question and I wish people wouldn't downvote it. It really came down to the fact that I wanted an alternative and healthier alternative to driving to work. My commute (according to Google Maps) has 253 feet of elevation gain and 177 feet of elevation drop to work. I work 7.5-8 miles away. I also didn't want to have to use the shower while I was there, bring a change of clothes, or worry about smelling bad. I work in IT and work with people all day, I can't stink. I didn't get an ebike for fitness, I got it to get to work. I wanted it because it removed those inconveniences.
Patient-Layer8585@reddit
As others have pointed out: options. Ebikes often can do many things a normal bike can't.
ReedmanV12@reddit
My nephrologist suggested moderate exercise in hopes of improving my kidney function after a mysterious infection. The only way I can do that on a bike at my elevation and with the many hills in my area is to switch from my CF road bike to an electric road bike. It weights 9 pounds more but it is a class 3 which adds power assist up to 28 mph. I get a great workout and enjoy the feeling of a tailwind everywhere I go. It has taught me how to improve my pedal stroke and it shows how many watts I am generating as well as how many the motor is adding. 3 levels of power assist that are customizable too. My average speed has increased 25% and I can ride double the distance and not feel wasted after a 50 mile ride. So thanks to a medical doctor, I can continue to tolerate exercise and not harm my health.
MQAB@reddit
I like to go for long rides, but it's draining doing it multiple times a week. With an ebike, I can go further without needing days of recovery.
The beach near me is nearly 20 miles away, and I would dread a 40 mile trip without a little assistance.
JJsNotOkay@reddit
because some people (like myself) use it as a main source of transportation, I dont own or want to own a car, and I dont wanna be a sweaty mess wherever I go out of the house to do chores or go out to a restaurant or something
lFightForTheUsers@reddit
This really is it right here, it just makes the little issues with bike commuting where I am that much easier. It makes it easier to carry more gear/goods which opens up more destinations, easier to keep up with traffic on sections of roadway with no sidewalks etc so that I can feel more comfortable riding and expand where I can ride, and most importantly where I am it regularly hits 98F with over 90% humidity. Having the motor do the brunt of the work means I can show up at work or other places without feeling like I'm dying or being a stanky sweaty mess.
No needing to immediately change clothes, no give me five minutes to cool down like a panting dog. It's literally like when I was a kid riding bikes in the neighborhood just can get where I need and set it down and go. (though I do take a minute to lock it up, crime yo!)
lFightForTheUsers@reddit
It's great for the wallet my dude. Where I live it is urban enough for a lot of things to be around but there is still a massive lack in transportation. There are no buses no rail no nothing, very disconnected with a large lack of off-road trails to walk or ride on. The "social expectation" is that you will drive 30 minutes to go 5 miles, you will make your car payment, and you will be happy.
To which I am a little rebel, and always have been in many other areas of society (∞+🏳️🌈+🪖= I make some people uncomfortable lmao), so I say "f society" by going for a ride on two wheels instead of four when I can. It's a lot more fun, usually doesn't take all that much longer, and I feel more connected at a more frugal cost with the community and my daily needs than I would driving for every single daily need.
Lastly to add in, I also have a "normal bike". My MTB I can't get rid of because I like having a backup. But I vastly prefer the cargo style ebike for commuting needs, while I still have the MTB if I wanted to do some off roading or something.
mrGuar@reddit
Steep hills or long distance commuting
ThisAdvertising8976@reddit
When you were heavier she wasn’t as visible being a big girl. She probably thought you would give up and maybe gain most/more back. I’ve never been the lightest and rarely the heaviest in my work group but when I lost weight a few years ago it was the heaviest women that tried to throw shade.
NUKE---THE---WHALES@reddit
I think it's precisely because they can't sort their own life choices out that they comment on others. When faced with their own inability to get better they rationalize away their negative behavior, using you as a proxy for themselves
So it's possible she was trying to convince herself more than you, and if so then she has my sympathy and I hope one day she can make positive life choices like you
Great work btw, a stunning show of discipline, you should be real proud
Patient-Layer8585@reddit
It's always easier to criticise others and not yourself
RineMetal@reddit
Motocross is one of the most physically demanding sports. Maybe E-bikes just need a bigger motor.
Taurion_Bruni@reddit
It's either they don't own a bike, or they have a carbon fiber road bike and put hundreds of miles a month on it. There really is no inbetween
Hidden-Sky@reddit
To some degree I think a carbon fiber road bike might even be more "cheating" than most class 2 e-bikes. My ex had a steel one. I could keep pace with him, but his acceleration was better. One time we swapped bikes, and I was outrunning him the whole time.
sensible_human@reddit
Yes, I've always thought this way. Athletic cyclists are all about making their ride as efficient as possible - lowest weight, best aerodynamics, optimum posture - but aren't you getting less exercise that way?
Bikes are a tool and a mode of transportation. Make it comfortable and functional!
bitchnaw@reddit
Less exercise per mile maybe but those guys usually target a wattage level and time interval for training.
sensible_human@reddit
I don't know what that means, and I'm okay with that. I just want to bike around the city, hang out in a park, and maybe grab an iced coffee or a hoagie.
omnomdumplings@reddit
It means they ride harder and go even faster. They're not riding nice bikes to save energy, they're riding nice bikes to go faster for how much energy they put in.
sensible_human@reddit
I attend (and organize) lots of social bike rides with a good mix of casual transportation/recreational riders and athletic cyclists, so we're all going the same distance and roughly the same speed. So it's kind of ironic that the folks who care less about fitness (myself included) are likely getting more fitness benefit out of these rides.
omnomdumplings@reddit
Okay that's cool man. Enjoy your exercise.
Microchipknowsbest@reddit
I have some big hills in my neighborhood. I just wouldn’t ride a bike if I didn’t have an ebike. I had a regular mountain bike and I would break the gears trying to change gears in the middle of the hill.
EpiicPenguin@reddit
Thats why im building my ebike, all the roads and trails in my area are that “uphill both ways” thing my grandpa kept saying.
mmeiser@reddit
I always love to point out the costs of bikes when someone calls my ebike cheating. Usually its the least expensive bike bike at a ride. And don't get me wrong msrp is still $4k though i picked it up on sale for $2500 and second for a ridiculous $1260 because it was a demo model. Love my bosch ebikes. I ride it at club rides very rarely, but sometimes I cannot resist riding from how to work, to the club ride, ride the club ride and ride home. So when I show up and someone says its cheating I point out its the only one without a carbon frame and carbon wheels and indeed one of the cheapest bikes at the ride.
And yet... when I do ride my road bike I am faster, lol. Seriously. In all but a strong headwind and soms uphill situation the road bike is faster and capable of a faster average. But I cannot ride my road bike to work and back every day and get groceries and stop at the gym and carry rain gear and deal woth 35mph headwinds. To many damn variables. Hence the ebike. Rolling 12 month mileage is at 7500 miles right now, 5500 is ebike commuting.
rolypolyholymoly@reddit
Carbon fiber biker that does about 100 miles a week here. No complaints folks on ebikes from me! Unless they can't handle the speeds they're going.
mrjackspade@reddit
My only complaint is how many of them are wearing headphones and/or ride down the dead center of the cycling path instead of staying to the side, making them difficult and dangerous to pass.
Personally idgaf how someone wants to get their workout in. The correct way to workout is whatever works for you. Not the hugest fan when it makes mine more difficult though.
I've had so many instances where they'll pull out in front of me and then immediately deliberately drift towards the center of the path like nothing behind them matters.
MidsommarSparrow@reddit
That has nothing to do with the ebike. I see regular cyclists doing the same things.
mrjackspade@reddit
Well, I don't. Which makes it an e-bike problem for me.
You're free to have your own experiences though.
MidsommarSparrow@reddit
I'm just curious as to how any of those things you posted have anything to do with the type of bike they're on vs the rider?
mmeiser@reddit
Is it because they are used to being the fastest thing on the trail?
Because I hate being buzzedby d-cks in cars whom don't slow down and get over I have adopted the mindset that I am fast enough on my ebike when people are not around that I can slow down at least to the speed I can say hello and have a nice day. Sometimes with people with dogs or kids this will be as low as 5mph. Especially little kids on little kids bikes. You never know what dogs or little kids will do. I have in my youth hit the deck twice to avoid little kids darting out in front of me. Neither time was I seriously injured but its better then hitting s kid thst doesn't know any better That said, my trail is not that high traffic. Many days I encounter only a couple people in ten miles. At most a 12-18. Its nice and I am spoiled. I am so sooiled most of the time I take the road except for that last couple miles into the city. Country roads have less cross road stops ironically and better lines of site at the intersections. The trail is a godsend though when the wind rain or snow are really bad. It is well lined with trees most of the way. Hence the poor visibility at intersections. You really need to come to a full stop at each intersection. Its far more of an inconvenience then people.
p.s. I have noticed runners and walkers are more aware now. I have a few walkers whom use a bicycling mirror on their glasses. Been a whike since I have encountered the oerverbial runner with headphones in both ears or couole walking side by side down the middle of the trail.
My biggest pet peeve is non bike people like the power company or rail people closing the trail with no detours marked. And I will go right through. If there is no alternate route at all then its not closed. The parks people are infiniteky more aware. I'm not a d-ck about it but what yougonna do ride down a four lane divided stroad with no shoulder?
mrjackspade@reddit
I'm pretty sure its something like this.
Disregarding pedestrians, 90%+ of what I see on the trails are
I'm assuming (1) has been on the trails long enough to know that there's always someone faster than you. When you're racing for fun, you learn pretty quick to watch your ass.
(2) is slow enough to constantly be passed, and I'm assuming they've learned at that point to stay to the side.
Which just leaves (3) on the trails, inexperienced enough to think they're actually moving fast enough to not have to worry about what's behind them.
My experience here is probably different than most of the rest of the country though because I live in an incredibly dense city metro with actually pretty good cycling infrastructure. I'm assuming that brings out different kinds of people.
joeroganfolks@reddit
With all due respect, all bikers do this. It’s when they are going double the speed of everyone else that it becomes a problem
mrjackspade@reddit
Its pretty much only the e-bikes in my city that do this.
Regular cyclists tend to stay to the side.
I can't speak to how things are wherever you live though.
RollTider1971@reddit
Or the packs that ride four abreast like they’re the only people on earth.
sweetcomputerdragon@reddit
r/bike commuting: I commute 25 minutes each way. This is typical cycling. Equipment and traffic and bike lanes are common subjects. Cycling, like running, feels best when one dismounts.
lpmiller@reddit
I believe the official term is a 'douchbag'. But I may have missed an update.
settlementfires@reddit
Oh yeah they're calling you lazy from inside their car
jdtran408@reddit
Either that or i have met two of these negative nancies:
1.) retirees with all the time in the world.
2.) white collar bicycle hobbyists that dont understand some of us have jobs that are more physical and after 10 hours of that i rather not have to bike up to my house on an incline.
KosherDeal@reddit
Exactly my thought and on an e-bike I tend to ride much further distances than I normally ever would as well, I go to my warehouse which is about 8 miles and my girlfriends is about another 2 miles down the street from that, I can round trip it, from my place to work to her place to stay the night to go back to work to then buzz home or back to her place if we want that's like 20+ miles a day lol
QuidYossarian@reddit
"The exercise you do is the exercise that works" always stuck with me.
2Whlz0Pdlz@reddit
My coworkers like to gently tease when I ride my (class 1) ebike to work vs my road bike. Ummm you guys all drove here, so who did more cardio?
mmeiser@reddit
Exactly. Went to a meetup for my local mtb group regarding trail work. Not realizing I road my ebike one of them makes the proverbial joke about ebikes being cheating. I was laughing my -ss off. "Did I not just see you and your spouse arrive in two separate cars?”
JonnyP222@reddit
It's totally this too. I have a regular bike. Have had a very nice one for a long time. It just got so difficult to ride as I got bigger and I would skip biking all together because it got dangerous to ride at my size.l and frankly if.it was too far or too many hills I would just skip it. My e-bike has saved my life. Even my wife was skeptical before I got it. She's now about to get one because our boys and I ride almost every day now. And for me at 46 and still heavy (though down 65 lbs) we bike everywhere and she just feels left out if we are going 30+ miles.
I never realized how much I just missed riding. It cannot be overstated to anyone thinking about an e-bike to just get back into biking and exercise. DO IT
kurisu7885@reddit
Because they refuse to see it as exercise. I'm trying to get an etrike for the same thing. Not to mention pedal assist gets more distance out of the battery
MorleyDotes@reddit
The answer to "what's the best exercise" is always "the one you will do". Aside from the exercise itself, it gives you focus, pleasure, and most importantly, change.
Enginemancer@reddit
Yeah thats like saying "what you only walked a mile? If you didnt run 5 it wasnt even exercise"
Glowpuck@reddit
Exactly. Also, who cares about exercising? It’s just about being active and having a healthy lifestyle.
Lordy8719@reddit
Bro, great job! Don’t waste a second thought on the haters, I’m 80 kilos and can bench press my own weight (as a matter of fact, the main use of my ebike is going to and from the gym) and still people tell me “it’s cheating”.
bananathief99@reddit
Where do you leave the bike, I’m thinking about getting one but I don’t want to have it stolen
Lordy8719@reddit
Well, both my garden and the gym has security cameras, and if I’m using it for shopping runs, I have a Kryptonite Keeper 695 securing it.
(I’m also considering hiding an Airtag in the body somewhere)
Evening-Turnip8407@reddit
Some people are so miserable, and they haaaaateeeee fat people, like, a truly astonishing amount. They project all that on other people for no reason.
Low_Committee6119@reddit
I wouldn't say 80 kgs is fat...
Evening-Turnip8407@reddit
Oh me neither, that was just in connection to OP. And myself, lmao.
rbooris@reddit
Don’t assume his height and build ;)
Low_Committee6119@reddit
I was originally going to say, don't assume their weight, then realized they put that in their comment, lmao.
Lordy8719@reddit
I've also put into my comment that I mostly use my bike to go to the gym though :)
Even the height is not necessarily meaningful, I'm 175cm "tall", I've used to be 79 kgs and wobbled around like a fat penguin, now I'm 82-ish kilos and although I'm still working on my 6-pack, but I've more-or-less successfully transformed into a "gym bro".
It doesn't stop my alcoholic neighbor who hasn't worked out since that one time in '82 and goes everywhere with a car to say that my e-bike is cheating XD
jameesi@reddit
Nice start! Now get a real bike and drop those next 60 lbs
aradaiel@reddit
E bikes aren’t the same. They’re more cardio vs muscular and you need to ride them almost twice as far to get a similar workout to an analog bike.
They’re still fun and if it gets you out and active versus not being active it’s a win.
I very much enjoy my e-bike because I can do a lot more miles in steeper terrain that I would not even attempt on a normal bike
DIABOLUS777@reddit
Congrats! You lost 150 pounds. You earned the right to ignore pretty much anyone's opinions.
must-stash-mustard@reddit
Good for you! Ebikes are great!
BlacksmithAny7951@reddit
Great job !
tianavitoli@reddit
ebikes are great they change the conversation from "yeah no I'm not doing that" to "wow that was so much fun! can't wait to do it again"
peacefullofi@reddit
The best exercise and diet, is the one you do! Incl ebike.
I want to do daily body weight fitness, but for now im having fun doing Fitness Marshall dance videos daily. Im not gaining strength, but im moving my body and having fun doing it!
(Also, i say this as someone who bike everywhere and doesn't own an ebike. Not yet anyways. Im eyeing a cargo ebike.)
BlacksmithAny7951@reddit
Exactly !
netzodus@reddit
That is cool
alttabbins@reddit (OP)
It also greatly increases the range of "that's too far for me to ride".
TurtlesAndBobcats@reddit
You could also do that by just getting good at atcually biking. Then you're in better shape and can go far
CodyTheLearner@reddit
While you’re not necessarily acting out of prejudice, this is mildly discriminatory. You might be unintentionally advocating for ableist ideology.
Ableism is a term that describes the systemic discrimination, prejudice, and oppression against people with disabilities, often based on the belief that non-disabled individuals are superior. It manifests in attitudes, behaviors, and social structures that devalue disabled individuals and limit their opportunities. Ableism can be intentional or unintentional, and it can take many forms, including language, education, employment, and social interactions.
I understand you’re probably just trying to encourage healthy activities and pursuits but your approach could be damaging to the community of cyclists around you and online.
iantayls@reddit
Well said
TurtlesAndBobcats@reddit
You must really be sad inside to be this way. If you want to be healthy actually move yourself. Go halfway if you want, it's better than nothing, but you are not the same as a real biker.
jesus_had_a_six_pack@reddit
> a real biker
LMAO imagine gatekeeping riding a bicycle
CodyTheLearner@reddit
I pedal acoustic babes. You’re just an asshole.
CodyTheLearner@reddit
I pedal acoustic babes. You’re just an asshole.
lFightForTheUsers@reddit
And how do you get to that point of "getting good at atcually biking"?
Believe it or not, some folk like me actually own both an ebike and analog bike. The latter is better for fun but the former is better for daily commuting.
"Think Mark, think!"
fentilt@reddit
“Analog” like a regular bike is ancient technology 🥀
iantayls@reddit
Or it’s just… a mechanically accurate description. Instead of saying “a real bike” like a dick
CodyTheLearner@reddit
I landed on acoustic over analog (think guitars, not clocks) and it’s my favorite way to describe bikes.
Former_Scientist_275@reddit
I own both, Lol. I have 2 e bikes and a nice Trek analog commuter bike. I had an errand to run today and I took the analog bike. I use the E-Bikes for commuting. It saves wear and tear on my cars. 22 miles round trip for work.
TheAngryRussoGerman@reddit
Bro, it’s 200m of steep elevation change to get to my home and another 100m up and down over and over and over to go anywhere in my town. Without anything other than me and the bike, that’s exhausting. I’m in peak shape. I free dive with 20kg of weight, I kayak across open waters between islands, and a 36km bike ride with said elevation changes is normal stuff for my 2x daily exercises. I’m also a regular rock climber and bordering on competitive levels. I feel like death attempting to bike with a backpack full of groceries, textbooks, or god forbid the goddamn diving gear (which the weights alone are misery and outweighs most e-mountain bikes including battery). A pedal assist ebike is straight up necessary when you live in mountains or have heavy gear to move around.
garden_dragonfly@reddit
My mom and I tried to start biking again a few years ago and we nearly died on the hills in rural PA.
A few years ago she got an e bike and I just got mine this year. So much more fun.
RunDifferent2004@reddit
i'm just trying to get from point a to point b, love my ebike.
germanjexus@reddit
Doable in the winter?
feltchimp@reddit
You know you lose weight at the dining table, not on the bike. You have fun on the bike so motor or not just ride it!
thewallamby@reddit
All ebikes do is help you not get exhausted on the first hill. The workout you get compares to nothing else. Good job on the weight loss. I hope you keep at it and stay healthy.
SlayBoredom@reddit
I mean... what? haha. Obviously it does compare to something else and obviously you will burn like 3x the callories riding the same distance with a traditional bike.
Thats not meaning that using an E-Bike burns no callories.
thewallamby@reddit
It doesn't.
PrettyRicky239@reddit
The point is, most people will be able to ride much further with their ebikes, use them to commute more effectively, and just be on the bike much much more. The ebike lets you take a break and cool off and turn your ride into a HIIT session. And you can use the throttle on the last few blocks before work and cool off and not walk in drenched in sweat. Yes, mile for mile, at the same speed, a traditional bike will obviously burn way more calories, but think of the whole picture.
SlayBoredom@reddit
I don't even argue the usecase, as a heavy-sweater I could never ride my bike to work, not even a few kilometers as I would be drenched haha, so I am all for it.
Just the argument that it's somehow the same level of a excercise is... ridiculous, BUT what E-bikes did, it got the poeple out of the house.
I see so many old people that probably gave up on biking 5 years ago, coming back into the hobby now with an E-bike. So at least they have some excercise and they also get out, socialize, enjoy nature, etc. which is great.
alttabbins@reddit (OP)
Ive been able to maintain for a while. That 2nd picture was actually taken in 2023. I still bike commute every day and find any excuse to ride that I can.
thewallamby@reddit
I keep a constant 130bpm when out on the ebike. Never exhausted or getting muscle cramps from pushing too hard. I have lost 20 pounds in 3 months. I am never giving up on an ebike. People that look down on it are either too jealous or just have never tried one.
Wild59Bill@reddit
I wish I had 130 bpm when rested doing nothing.
am0x@reddit
I have let 3 people ride my ebike. They all joked about how it wasn’t real cycling.
All 3 came back with giant smiles on their faces and all 3 now own e-bikes themselves.
kurisu7885@reddit
Yup, depending on how things go on a ride on a standard bike if you get too worn out you might be stuck for a bit, though stopping to rest is likely a good idea either way.
TurtlesAndBobcats@reddit
Or they just enjoy actually biking. But you do you.
lpmiller@reddit
Uh, that's why they get the ebike in the first place, a doy. But maybe they just find it easier then having a stick up your ass first.
TurtlesAndBobcats@reddit
Ever aee fat people get an ebike and then nit really get in shape? I have. It's sad
DM-ME-THICC-FEMBOYS@reddit
I've seen it with a regular bike too.
ambaal@reddit
How’s pedalling an e-bike is different from pedalling acoustic bike? Less workout? Oh please, my 140kg arse on ebike with assist1 still have to struggle way harder than a thin dude on acoustic road bike.
TurtlesAndBobcats@reddit
Lol have fun thinking that. You're hilarious. See you in the ebike olympics ahahaha
BoringBob84@reddit
Same here! I started bicycle commuting because driving was so miserable. I didn't expect riding to be so enjoyable. That is a welcome surprise.
atetuna@reddit
My favorite thing about commuting on a throttle ebike is that I can switch to throttle only when I'm close to work and cool down with a nice breeze before getting off the bike.
chig____bungus@reddit
Yeah once you get to the speed limit it's all you.
ImaginaryComb821@reddit
It's also an environmentally friendly and refreshing way to get to work in the morning. Beats car traffic. Just some wind - a cool morning breeze and some natural light does wonders for the mood and energy levels. And there's power assist levels if you want a mild exercise without showing up to the office a sweaty mess. Again. It beats taking a car.
MTBTrucker@reddit
Mining for lithium and burning natural gas for electricity is not environmentally friendly, this is a myth but I see where your going with this.
Wild59Bill@reddit
Where the fuck are you from. Most electricity in Canada is hydro electric. Mining for Lithium in Quebec (where I live) does impact the environment, - But not any worse than mining for other minerals we use every day. Unless you want to go back to the Stone Age, - Accept the fact that to maintain your privileged lifestyle almost everything you do & have affects the environment. Someday earth will rid itself of the most deadly virus ever (humans) & it may take thousand & maybe even millions of years for it to recover, but earth will survive.
MTBTrucker@reddit
Northeastern USA, most hydro electric here was destroyed for Salmon spawning.
doctor_voctor@reddit
If the alternative is that everyone owns their own car then it is in the very least less environmentally damaging.
WILDBO4R@reddit
They're environmentally friendly compared to cars, but not so much compared to regular bikes.
doctor_voctor@reddit
I don't think anyone is making that argument, and that is not what is being discussed here. What is important is that for some people it is either e-bike or car, no regular bike. And that is still a huge win for both the environment in an ecological sense, aswell as in the sense of physical and noise pollution in urban areas. Not to talk about the huge waste of space that all dedicated car infrastructure imposes.
WILDBO4R@reddit
Yes thank you for agreeing with me that cars are bad and that e-bikes indeed have a smaller footprint.
Anyway, I'm assuming the downvoted comment is making that argument, and OP mentions to regular bikes, so the comparisons are being made.
Major_Alley_Cat@reddit
I charge my e-bike from my solar panels. So how is that not not environmentally friendly?
METTEWBA2BA@reddit
Dude. You need like 20x less batteries and electricity for an E-bike compared to an electric car, which itself is already less polluting than a gas car in the long run. An e-bike pretty much produces 0 emissions over the long run.
Humble_Ad8091@reddit
And people use up their cars resources too quickly by using their car for every minor commute that can be done on an ebike, so we end up with a lot more electric cars and batteries produced than necessary.
An ebike with a trailer can legitimately replace a car as a grocery getter for at least 5 months of the year in places that have winter and can be used all year in southern United States, and southern countries.
The only issue is petty theft. Nice bycicles tend to be an attractor of scummy criminals and crackheads who try and cut the locks with angle grinders while you're out shopping.
esmicumpleanos@reddit
An ebike is everything but an environmentally friendly way to exercise.
Catsdrinkingbeer@reddit
My whole team was talking about how awful traffic was today and in my head was like, "... wouldn't know... casually e-biked to the light rail station for my commute."
amwoooo@reddit
I was just at a party this weekend and a guy was trashing e-bikes and people who use them. I said or it’s helping people who couldn’t ride before to be more active ? You are proof! Congrats
andergdet@reddit
My parents are old enough that they wouldn't be able to cycle where we live (it's very hilly). They both got ebikes and are loving it. We go out as a family many times (I have a normal road bike)
amwoooo@reddit
I kinda want one now, I also live in a hilly area.
Ausernamenamename@reddit
Mine has become an extension of mobility, I deal with a disability from a surgery and high impact sports I used to enjoy like mountain biking probably aren't ever going to be accessible to me without the motor.. I'm not 25 anymore.
amwoooo@reddit
Using an ebike isn’t a moral issue, people are out here trying it tho
vegemitemilkshake@reddit
Yep. I’ve got a dodgy heart. Without my e-bike I’d have to drive my son to and from school.
TheUselessOne87@reddit
got asthma, can bike just fine but literally unable to go uphill anywhere. wish i could afford one lol
FrayAdjacent@reddit
I laugh at that after burning over 1000 calories on my “cheater” bicycle over a long ride.
I probably didn’t actually burn 1000 calories, but I sure as heck burned a lot. The thing about e-bikes is that you can “cheat” and just use them like electric scooters and do no work, or you can do a lot of the work and just use them to get you through very tough conditions that would wreck you otherwise.
DigitialWitness@reddit
That's one crazy carousel if it made you lose all that weight.
DigitialWitness@reddit
That's one crazy carousel if it made you lose all that weight.
ymaldor@reddit
According to my ebike's app depending on the day I do between 35 to 45% of the work. I typically go to work at 23-24km/h average (ebikes motors here stop at 25km/h). I spend a lot of time above 30 the only point of the motor is to go around 20-25km/h going up on big inclines so I'm not slow af and cars bother me less than if I was below 10 like most mechanical bikes are on those.
vita10gy@reddit
I always say to people that the choice for us, and many others no doubt, isn't bike vs ebike it's ebike vs couch/netflix.
My wife and I, back when reasonably young and at average weights, decided to go on a bike ride for the first time in ages.
It was hot, and we overworked to overcompensate since it was "meant to be a workout", but we made it like a mile and had to stop and sit down at the top of a hill. Like I got tunnel vision and my ears were ringing. We walked the bikes home.
We ride our ebike 30 miles all the time now. Like 3+ hours worth of riding.
My watch tracks my heart rate and we spend a lot of the time in the middle to high middle teirs. So sure, I'd bet we'd work way harder on real bikes, but for a fraction of the distance/time, so who cares?
Surely high moderate exercise you do for longer periods of time and actually look forward to is better than trying to talk yourself into a killer workout you can only do 5% as long.
RathVelus@reddit
I was a personal trainer for a bit. The number one thing I learned is that people think they have to exhaust themselves. It’s a completely false concept and makes more people think they can’t do anything.
If I had a person very out of shape all I’d ask for is a consistent heart rate of around 10% higher than their baseline for 30-45 minutes sustained. A lot would be confused that I was telling them to slow down and then asking how much longer after 20 minutes.
WindstormMD@reddit
Lacking knowledge like this is what stops more people from shedding the extra weight easily. Tbh more school programs should focus less on sports and teaching the basics of ‘how to exercise’ in a way that won’t kill you.
A huge number of people won’t play sports after school, but then also have little idea of what the hell to do to properly exercise since it’s never taught.
I’m on a journey of my own much like OP, and the e-bike has been a complete game changer
Balanced-Breakfast@reddit
Just had this conversation earlier today (not trashing ebikes; he's supportive). I've fallen into sort of a lazy period. I blame depression but just making excuses. Ordered a Lectric Xpedition 2.0 which arrived the other day and I've gone on like 5 rides in the last 3 days. Doesn't matter it's electric assisted; it's infinitely more activity than sitting on the couch watching Netflix and YouTube.
Side note, I got the xpedition specifically for passenger and cargo use and got my 10yo daughter out with me which im loving the time with her.
stachewick@reddit
And in my case, the choice is ebike vs drive to work, gym, market and church. I would never have considered an acoustic bike for those tasks but would have happily just hopped into my car and gotten no exercise at all
MTB_SF@reddit
Counterintuitively, Zone 2 and 3 training actually builds cardio ability much better than zone 4 or 5. A long zone 2 session actually increases fitness a lot better than going all out.
Grand_Werewolf_9250@reddit
Good job!
Yesterday I took the bike and did a very short route, I look at the clock, heart rate at 150, later, on the couch at home, heart rate at 70. If you didn't exercise with the electric bike, the heart wouldn't work any harder. It's that simple...
svenbreakfast@reddit
I’m a commuter on a cross bike. And I’ll be damned how many times e-bike riders will zip past me on my left, close, say nothing and leave me in the dust. I always temper my anger with “at least it’s one less car” but really it does build resentment. And I’m happy people get to experience the joy of being on a bike, be they old, or not in shape enough to make starting cycling enjoyable. Just please understand that among cyclists, especially those of us who tough it out, there are rules, etiquette, the kind of shit that spares one another concussions or broken bones. If I have to dodge some glass or something and I don’t hear a car I’m gonna dip quick, and then we both end up falling. Anything could happen at that point.
In the last couple years, e-bikes have become annoying and dangerous to me. And I do consider you a cyclist. So act like one. Maybe at some point down the road you could try a manual bike, and enjoy that journey. Meantime I tamp down my frustration by saying to myself, ok not super polite but one less car. Congrats on your fitness milestones, sincerely.
Nogero37@reddit
Perhaps already posted and buried in the comments, but research has shown greater results for many individuals using Ebikes due to increased accessibility and perceived fun which encourages Ebikers to use them more frequently and to go longer distances. Congrats on your hard work!
Cresny@reddit
Puts the play in workout. Still great for the body and soul!
evestraw@reddit
Yeah ebikes are cheating. But they are still better then taking a car
rdmusic16@reddit
Cheating at what?
Yes, riding an ebike isn't the same exercise as riding a regular bike. No one is arguing that.
It's a great way to still get exercise, but allow people to travel further or places they might not otherwise be able to.
I don't see how that's cheating at all?
evestraw@reddit
You wrote out exactly what I mean
rdmusic16@reddit
Well then... I agree!
agoodepaddlin@reddit
That's excellent my guy. But I can assure you, this has way more to do with your eating than it did an ebike.
theNomad2000@reddit
Thank you for this inspiring post. Congratulations on your health progress. May God bless you
Potential-Arrival949@reddit
Great Job, Keep up the great work. I've been riding an ebike regularly for a couple of years now and it's a great way to get out and enjoy different areas with the good side effect of better fitness. For me, my motivation was to put my back in shape after a pretty bad injury, left me with a broken back and neck. After leaving rehab almost every physical therapy appointment started with a spin on a stationary bike. After Therapy, I figured, hey, I have a bike, lets get out there. On my regular Diamondback bike I could do maybe 10 miles and would be able to exercise for maybe 30 min. Now with the Ebike I regularly get out for 20 to 30 mile rides taking about 2 to 2.5 hours. 2 hours of pumping my legs beats 30 minutes of slightly tougher work any day.
I've heard the naysayers saying that ebike riding isn't a real exercise. It's usually from some hypocrite riding a $10000 graphite Bicycle with ultra light weight wheels to get every advantage possible. I'd say, if your riding an old time Schwinn with a steel frame and steel wheels or an old tyme Pennyfarthing you have the right to your purity claim, anything short of that keep your opinions to yourself.
JJVS4life@reddit
I don't remember where I read this, but apparently people with ebikes actually exercise more than those with normal bikes because the ease of the ride actually encourages riders to bike further.
OkMachine9421@reddit
Well done guys👍🏽. I've lung disease(COPD) & can't handle an analogue bike anymore but my e-bike, no worries & due to 5 pas settings, I can still get some exercise, mental stimulation etc so an e-bike is not cheating, still have to pedal my type of pedal assist e-bike, no throttle.
HarryHaller73@reddit
Walking on a treadmill is better than nothing too.
muzzynat@reddit
I'm down 105 from 430, and looking at ebikes. For me it would be an equalizer. I'm fortunate to have a brother in law who I get along with great, and I'd love to go for rides with him, but there's no way I could keep up, he's 150lbs and runs marathons. An ebike would let me go on a ride with him without him having to cut his ride short. I don't care if it's 'cheating' I'm not playing a game.
PS- OP if you have an ebike recommendation, I'd love to know which one you have!
Boblawlaw28@reddit
Equalizer! Yes! My whole family have ebikes and we’re at different levels if riding amd this way no one gets left behind. My adult child is self conscious about the throttle she uses and I’m like why? No one knows you’re using it.
SNHC@reddit
If the pedals aren't spinning it's pretty obvious.
Boblawlaw28@reddit
On my bike I use the throttle when I’m struggling uphill at the same time as peddling. I also rest my legs for 3-4 pedals by throttling then go right back to it so it is very easy to mask my throttle usage.
SmiteYouDead@reddit
I'm slim fit and for 25 years I've been pedaling myself year round 16 miles round trip on my commute. But the ebike I got last year saves me about 10 min each way and lets me think about things besides the mechanics of my commute, like special clothing or where can I shower, and become, well, more of a normal commuter. Except I'm 35 min door to door in rush hour Boston, not 45 min like drivers who pay 15$ a day parking plus car expenses or public transit riders, who need 90 min each way, from my location. The more normal biking can become, the more bikers will come! Ebikes are a great green choice.
Curious-Apartment-83@reddit
Exactly shore the nay sayers they’re talking out their asses
Kaiawoo@reddit
YES THIS I bought my ebike to do just this. I've had it 5 months and have put 600 miles on it! I love riding everywhere, I've found a nice route I can take with little traffic, and along the water. It gets my heart going and gives me a hobby other than gaming 😭. I've gone 30 miles in one go, it's so fun. I have an aventon aventure.2. I already want another one AND an analog mountain bike 😩
df33702021@reddit
I have a Bulls Iconic EVO TR 1 750 with mountain bike tires. After using it on some milder mountain bike trails in eMTB, I'll never buy another analog mountain bike. The 1 meter of self propel to clear obstacles, etc and the assist in more technical places is real nice. IIuc, next gen bosch will give 2 meters of self propel.
df33702021@reddit
I have an analog/regular/non-powered/traditional Trek bike. It's nothing fancy. No suspension cruiser style. It's a great bike and I've ridden lots of rail trails, etc with it. This spring I bought a full suspension class 1 Bulls ebike. I'm riding the same trails.
To me it's sort of a toss up which is better.
If comparing over the same amount of time in the saddle, I do get more of a workout on my Trek. I can't just turn the power off on the Bulls to get the same workout in the same amount of time. Even with mountain bike gears, the weight of the Bulls is hell on the knees. I can't afford to blow out a knee. Blowing out a knee would mean no exercise at all and biking is not my primary exercise. To get about the same workout, I have to go longer and farther. Which isn't a bad thing. On the Trek, I average about 11mph. On the Bulls about 15.5. I tend to go 50% farther on the Bulls. I will also ride the Bulls at about 19mph, right before the cut out. I find pushing past the cutout where assist drops kills my knees.
I would not call using an ebike cheating. The way I look at it is as long as my legs are moving all is good.
oktemplar@reddit
I don’t know why people have to hate on them so much. I use mine to haul my 2 kids on it to multiple parks via a local bike path. Not only can I ride up a massive hill that I would have no chance of doing, but we are able to enjoy nature and I can choose to use my own pedaling where it’s possible. Good for you and good for all of us enjoying life, screw the haters
Financial-Pen-5718@reddit
Hell yeah, congrats man. Ebikes are a great way to get into cycling. Guess how much I rode a bike before I bought my first ebike? Hint: the answer is not at all.
catboy519@reddit
Exercise = duration times intensity.
On an ebike I pedal less intense than on a regular bike. Why? Not because the bike physically limits my pedal input, but it does so psychologically.
But if ebike is cheating compared to bike, then bike must also be cheating compared to walking.
Bigfootsdiaper@reddit
All you have to do is turn the e bike system off and just like that, it's a 65lb bike if you want a work out.
Broken_Intuition@reddit
You know what I'm gonna blab on here I'm 36 and I've been trying to get my roomie to ride for 10 years. I tried every way under the sun. I told him everything about bikes. I set up a mountain bike out of old parts that could handle his weight. I explained about how we could start slow with the corner store. Also? I'm not some skinny chad on a hill I bike all the time and I like it but I have metabolic issues okay I'm also a loser that went form insulin iffy to remaining insulin totally fine for 15 years instead of becoming prediabetic, cause I bike. My friend who struggles with is weight became prediabetic. My diet is a trash garbage can half the time and fine half the time. I ain't skinny and no I don't have dumb ideas about obesity- it's bad.
And now I get to ebikes. My friend will ride fucking ebikes. No tweak. No perfect oil. No new configuration or new part or new frame measurement was gonna do it. Pedal assist that got him from A to B with slight exercise did though!
And that's the thing. He's no longer prediabetic. The ebike let him control at his pace. He gets rewarded for more pedal with more battery. No shame involved. He gets to ride with me on all the trails I wanted to show him at a pace he can deal with. We're both kinda fat and now we both don't have health problems. I'm getting less fat, he's not. He's also not getting more fat and he's getting less diabetic. That's a WIN dammit.
Someone who was prediabetic not having bad health markers is a win.
He got there because we're having fun. Because it's inherently rewarding. Even if you start thumbing the throttle the whole damn time, you cheap out on gas. You get in a habit snd then if you like it enough you go... hey... you know... if I pedaled just a little more... I'd get further.
That's it. I'm better at biking than my friend and thank god ebikes erased that difference before taking us both further because it felt great and we wanted to max out our batteries.
Himiwaybike@reddit
This has led me to understand the significance of producing an excellent, high-quality, and cost-effective ebike. Thank you very much
Aurinko80@reddit
I do bicycle touring on ebike. Every summer of touring ive lost more than 10kg.
NoChanceCW@reddit
This is wicked. I hope you keep at it and find your lifelong balance with biking. Biking every day is one of the best things you can do for your body. I also don't think people appreciate the effort it takes to ensure your body is healthy and comfortable on a bike with extra weight - I respect the heck of your commitment.
On the e-bike is cheating front, I saw a study a few years back that followed seniors who ebiked and found it was about 60-70% of the effort of a non-ebike. That sounds like a heck of a good workout - even on par or better than walking, without the hash impact.
I hope to see another post one day, with your continued journey 🙂.
MindTrix91@reddit
Awesome dude Good job
I am just starting out on that same journey. I think it just let's you travel further with the same amount of effort. How much you exert yourself is how much results you'll see
Slurpkids@reddit
Went from beefcake to cupcake
Slurpkids@reddit
I first after the fuck date
WorkinOnMyDadBod@reddit
Good for you, dude.
Familiar-Dog-3596@reddit
E-bikes are a form of transportation that also happen to provide a level of exercise relative to the rider’s capabilities. IMO anyone that makes a comment like that doesn’t deserve a response.
Ok_Reception_3852@reddit
Hell yeah! I’m in decent shape but feel exhausted after a long e-bike ride.
mickeyaaaa@reddit
op you dropped all that weight JUST from riding? didnt change your diet one bit? I mean good for you, but weight loss is like 80% about food and 20% about exercise....
rdmusic16@reddit
They didn't say it was just from riding?
mickeyaaaa@reddit
its implied by not saying he did anything else to lose the weight....
Tiny-Ant-2695@reddit
But he said he changed his diet...
mickeyaaaa@reddit
Must have edited the post because it wasn't there before.
Plane_Employment_930@reddit
My response would be "Okay then using a bike is cheating too, you should be using your feet only." Or call them out for using a car instead of walking, or what about motorcycles, what about a motorboat vs a row boat...
Also, bikes and e-bikes, don't HAVE TO be for exercise, they have many purposes and folks can e-bike and do other types of exercise, it's not one or the other.
It's absurd, don't let these ignorant folks get to you, they're simply... ignorant.
Dry_End1175@reddit
Good for you man
JFISHER7789@reddit
Exactly! Good for you OP! Fuck anyone who nags. You found what works for you and countless other people. The may nay say but they’re just jealous
Appropriate-Green287@reddit
When people say something like that man, it’s only got to do with their problems not yours. You got busy taking care of yourself because unlike those foolish people parading their ignorance, you knew your own mind and your own problems, and the changes you wanted to see made in your life. You’re an inspiration man, be proud of that. Maybe even help others to learn how you succeeded at doing something against all the odds the world threw atcha. 🫡
2cafn8d@reddit
People forget promoting mental well being promotes good physical health.
Electrical-Map-1500@reddit
Don’t be so square
anudeep30@reddit
I literally lost 7lb in 2 weeks doing deliveries by ebike. Still doing it and on track to be 180 in a few months!
Marcvae36@reddit
It doesn't get easier, you just go faster.
mysteryous20035@reddit
Good for you. I'm still on an bike at 180....
morisila@reddit
A friend used the phrase "motion is lotion" when I mentioned i felt like I was "cheating" after buying my ebike 3 weeks ago. Any movement is good movement! Proud of you! Also I'm averaging about 20 miles a week right now just commuting around town using the peddle assist. Do I get super sore? No. But I do feel like I could sleep for a week after I've ridden around for a couple of days, so I'd argue that yes actually the workout is kicking my ass (and I feel great). Although weight loss isn't the primary reason for buying it, I'm curious how much I'm going to drop over the coming weeks.
Levethane@reddit
I used to go for a 15-20k rode on my standard MTB. I now go for 20-30k rides on my e-mtb and the rides are much more hilly. I get a huge workout.
OrganicBuilding4146@reddit
Keep up the good work, e-bikes rule
stormdelta@reddit
Even the idea that bikes are for exercise only shows how incredibly narrow-minded a lot of people are.
My bike is for transportation first and foremost. It's less "cheating" than a car FFS even when I use the throttle only, and I don't see them biking in the dead of winter like I do anyways.
OtherImplement@reddit
You quite literally got off the merry go round. Great work!
PrinzBrian@reddit
Would you mind telling which ebike you are using?
Im looking for a Eu (germany) conform ebike (equal to class1) but Most of them have a Esther los Wright Limit.
JimiHotSauce@reddit
Congrats on your progress! You can always rebuttal with: well treadmills have motors but those are still considered workouts. You can argue they aren’t legit workouts because they maintain a flat surface and regulate speed for you vs running outside. If anything it’s a more efficient elliptical workout.
TactlessTortoise@reddit
E-bikes are great because they can reduce the peak exertion periods while outside, or give you a break while you're tired without having to stop, so instead of planning to go around the block for 5 minutes (why bother, right?) you can plan for a 1 hour cruise where you'll end up sweating and pedalling quite a bit, improving your cardio over a longer span. You work out your heart for 4 minutes, ten times in a day instead.
iantayls@reddit
This is what I always told people when I worked at the shop. People would disparage e-bikes (and often the large people who ride them), and I would return with essentially “they’re still getting a workout, it’s just lasting longer and allowing them to go further than before. All in all people usually get more exercise, and are more fulfilled by being able to adventure more”
PomeloPepper@reddit
I live in a hot climate, and using an ebike means I can exercise, then get a little break (with a breeze!) without risking heat stroke.
nrgins@reddit
You can also argue that using freewheels are cheating because they give you gears that make it easier to go up hills.
alttabbins@reddit (OP)
Thats a great way of putting it.
Optimal-Chemist-2246@reddit
On the left I was thinking they wanted to put you in the ambulance. They would require a crane for that though.
ssccmtb@reddit
Nice work! I’m a pretty serious cyclist and former bike racer and have NEVER understood why someone would bash the use of an ebike (besides their egos). I have both analog and electric bikes and they’re all so fun and so useful in a variety of scenarios. It’s a fantastic choice to get outside and get some assisted exercise, for whatever reason that applies to you.
One never says that it’s “cheating” when they get in their car. We should always uplift those around us who are bettering their lives.
Really good work, and keep that rubber side down!
Low-Kaleidoscope-123@reddit
First of all, congratulations on a fantastic accomplishment!
Secondly, I 100% agree that eBiking isn't cheating if you eBike, and don't eMotorcycle LOL
I work my ass off on my eMountain bike! The thing is that I actually ride 10x more often because I can make deals with myself before going out on a ride that I don't HAVE to hurt or go all-out. But 90% of the time, after 20 mins, my HR is cranked all the way up, and I'm going at it as hard as I can.
I live at 7,000ft elevation with good-sized mountains, and I feel 24 yrs old again.
am0x@reddit
I still have my regular MTB and ride it a lot, especially if I’m doing a jump track or technical trails. I ride my eMTB when I don’t really feel like pushing myself so hard. As soon as I hit the trail I have a blast and end up riding 2-3 times further than on my regular bike.
It’s either I don’t ride at all or I take the eMTB out. Plus downhill sections still give you a crazy workout. People don’t understand the amount of core work that takes.
Low-Kaleidoscope-123@reddit
Man, you are 100% correct. A few years ago, someone suggested I get an eMTB and I had the same arguments people have, who don't ride them.
I still have my analog bike, but I don't enjoy it as much. I work every bit as hard on my eMTB, and it's much more fun.
MQAB@reddit
Yeah, that's what I tell myself all the time. "Just go for a short ride with minimal effort. It's better than doing nothing." I almost always end up going 25-30 miles. If I didn't have an ebike, I most likely would not go if I was feeling low energy.
FilthyDubeHound@reddit
E-bikes are like assisted pull ups. If you cant do pull ups, you use the machine that lets you. People seem to forget you can turn off the assist, an e-bike can just be a bike if you want it to. But at least this way its more accessible and you can push yourself harder knowing you have a failsafe
Thequiet01@reddit
They’ve literally studied this. People simply go out and do more with e-bikes. So they get more exercise cumulatively as a result.
Some people think exercise only counts if you are doing A Workout but that is not how our bodies see it.
BigWolf2051@reddit
Hell yeah man nice work. People love to hate for no reason. Fuck em just keep doing you. I love my ebike and I ride it for exercise. I like that I can adjust the pedal assist depending on how hard I want to go.
The way I explained it to people, is it's the same effort to ride at 8-10 mph on a regular bike as it is to go 20mph on this bike. It's way more fun at 20!
secondhandschnitzel@reddit
Yeah. The research supports that ebiking is a very similar workout to analog biking. You just hate it less while doing it.
horrorfanuk@reddit
After 25 years of cycling and then 5 years no exercise my emtb has been such a welcome return to fitness and cycling and i have now invested in a full suspension mtb as well. If an ebike means you are cycling and enjoying it there is only positives !
No_Faithlessness1769@reddit
E-bike made me ride more… I’m not racing anyone, I’m only concerned about increasing my overall heath. 👌🏾
Blues-Daddy@reddit
I'm partially disabled. An ebike allows me to bike. I use pedal assist when I can, so I absolutely get exercise.
OwlishIntergalactic@reddit
Same. My joints won’t let me bike regularly but I can get out, get some sun and air, and get my heart rate up with none of the impact on my joints. It’s fantastic.
Expensive-Border-869@reddit
A genuinely useful and fun exercise/practice get some cones and make a small obstacle course. Go as slow as you can mostly just working on being able to balance with minimal motor/pedal input. Its probably better on a scooter but balancing is great for your ankles and well when you start getting old that first fall is what makes you really old
Blues-Daddy@reddit
I do this on my scooter on a regular basis.
JohnnyNapkins@reddit
They really do bring back the fun factor.
bubalis@reddit
I don't own an ebike (right now, I may in the future) but...
Riding bikes is awesome.
Ebikes let more people ride bikes in more situations.
Therefore, ebikes are awesome.
I don't get what's so hard about this.
vegemitemilkshake@reddit
Me too. Without my e-bike I’d have to drive my son to and from school.
FlyforfunRS@reddit
People are stupid, yes my bike has a Motor but I drive it 50 kilometers in 1 hour UPHILL. People on normal bikes need like 2 hours for that and they arent moving as fast, maybe they get more muscle in the legs but its still aerobic exercise.
Geestus@reddit
Great job! Glad you stuck true to your beliefs that you could do it even when the devil hissed at you. Proud of you.
Pissdispenser@reddit
I’m not trying to get a workout. I just don’t want to buy a fucking car.
am0x@reddit
My ebike costs more than my car haha
kurisu7885@reddit
I can't even operate a car, so I'm trying to get an Etrike.
Alex13445678@reddit
This. Before I had a license e-bikes and then modded gas mopeds were a way of life. Even now for fun i take my bikes as even going only 50 is more fun than a car and gas/maintence is way cheaper for just aimlessly riding backroads.
alttabbins@reddit (OP)
EXACTLY THIS. I have a car and I just got tired of driving it. People don't understand that some of us ride bikes to go places, not just for workouts. It all started with me wanting to ride to work and not be a complete sweaty mess when I got there. I toyed with the idea of taking an extra set of clothes and using the showers there (IT desk job that has a locker room), but it was still just more convenient to drive. Then I discovered ebikes and the inconveniences were reduced enough where I started commuting. I rode in my work clothes, never had to shower, and had a single set of clothes just in case I got splashed or something.
Dizzy_Mechanic7810@reddit
Bro thinks pedal assist helped him lose weight more than diet
Local_gyal168@reddit
No need to go there, way to bring the vibe down.
Dizzy_Mechanic7810@reddit
how so lol, being a realist brings the "vibes" down
Local_gyal168@reddit
Nowhere does the post mention diet, and the weight is lost. That is what matters.
alttabbins@reddit (OP)
>Nowhere does the post mention diet
I think you need to read the post again. Diet made a huge impact and I don't pretend that it didn't. Id say that it was about 90% of my weight loss. Burning 500-1000 extra calories a day is going to help a diet a lot, and enjoying that activity helps a lot.
Dizzy_Mechanic7810@reddit
Thats all i was saying. I honestly appreciate you making the clarification.
kurisu7885@reddit
Enjoying it is the top thing. Odds are it won't be stuck to otherwise.
Local_gyal168@reddit
Dude, I’m on your team- you are kicking ass and I don’t know you IRL but keep going- ppl who think keeping an e bike going isn’t exercise haven’t ridden an 85# bike when the battery dies on a hill. I’m older so I think I’m at my threshold for weight loss, but I can’t believe how much weight I’ve lost right in this pike I ride about 100 miles a week right now. It’s so fun.
Guitar-Strap@reddit
That's not how that works, read a book.
Dizzy_Mechanic7810@reddit
Open it up and tell me what it says
sissypinkjasper@reddit
I'll argue that an ebike can provide an even harder work out than a pedal bike. Ebikes tend to weight significantly more pedal bikes and if you want a hard work out just don't use the motor at all. My Lectric XP weight 70lbs, lets say that's around 40 to 50lbs more than a pedal bike, pedaling the bike manually is harder work out than any pedal bike. I know this, I had to pedal the bike home 3 miles after the battery deid and it nearly killed me. I slept for 12 hours after I got home, that's how tired I was
am0x@reddit
I usually keep my eMTB at the lowest and second lowest settings. At the lowest it feels like a regular mountain bike because of the weight. At the second, it just makes those grueling climbs much easier.
I use the higher ones just to get to the trails so o do t have to drive.
LilithiumIvy@reddit
My bike is 130 lbs 😅 I DEFINITELY get a workout if I turn the motor off
sissypinkjasper@reddit
130lbs - what bike is that, whatever it is its a tank
LilithiumIvy@reddit
Aniiokii aq177. It definitely feels like piloting a very fast Labrador that occasionally goes "time to lay down" and you have to do your best to convince it that, no, its not floor time, we wanna keep going 😅 for context im 25 and only maybe 20 pounds heavier than the bike
SNHC@reddit
How often do you use pedal assist vs. throttle?
LilithiumIvy@reddit
Depends on what sort of workout im focused on that day. If im looking to do the typical legs and core workout, I pedal no assist. Thats just bc my pedal assist is a bit wonky and im trying to figure out how to stay at a regulated speed😅 all data points to it being a skill issue so
Today im actually using the weight of the bike to build up my hip stabilizing muscles since mine are apparently dangerously underdeveloped somehow? So I've been using throttle and then when I stop and take a break I lean it back and forth, supporting its weight with each respective leg. That works me out from my hip to my heel. Hope that answered what you were curious about!
DischargedConvict@reddit
🤡
CMDR_Duzro@reddit
Also it’s a lot more fun which means I ride a lot more often which in turn is more training. Furthermore it’s a more consistent training. I have more options to adjust the bike to my current pulse. And I still have around 200 watts whilst riding which is more than I have on training devices in the gym. Lastly the bike computer is very motivating for me. I can see what I rode and how I improve.
sissypinkjasper@reddit
I agree, my knees don't like pedaling, especially up a hill, ebikes allow me to ride more often and longer than I would with a pedal bike
jpercivalhackworth@reddit
turning off the power is my go to for a hard workout. the nice part is i can push longer knowing that i’ll be able to get home after my legs are shot.
sissypinkjasper@reddit
My work out was unexpected but knowing what I do now, I can see using an ebike for interval training in much the same way I've seen sprinters run pulling small parachutes behind themselves to train under greater resistance. Just turn off the motor and pedal hard and fast to the point of exhaustion, then turn the motor back on and use pedal assist until you recoup, and repeat that cycle
That would be a hell of a work out to build your cardio and strength.
jpercivalhackworth@reddit
It works pretty well. The only caution is make sure the bikes adjusted to you so you don't bugger your knees, particularly if you ride a Dutch bike.
am0x@reddit
I mountain bike. Have been for decades. I got an emtb because I’m getting older and there are days I don’t really feel like busting my ass.
Those days I take out the eMTB and have a blast. I end up riding 2-3 times more miles than on my regular bike and my caloric burn is about the same. It’s just not a grueling.
It’s either I take the ebike out those days or I don’t ride at all. The mental help it provides alone is worth the investment.
ArmoganWX@reddit
I think most people don't understand the differences in ebikes... They all assume they have throttles and you don't have to pedal. My wife and I got a couple of ebikes and I've actually learned to call it a pedal assist bike and don't use the word ebike. If someone asks what that is, then I go into a more refined explanation. Ive found it important to start off with "There's no throttle, you have to pedal, but it does have a motor that only engages when you pedal. It has 3 levels of assist, plus zero assist, It also has the normal gears of a regular mountain bike.... So you can make it as easy or as hard as you like, just like a traditional geared bicycle.
Great job on the weight loss! I too have lost 40+ pounds, with biking, and intermittent fasting.
Keep it going!!
RPCOM@reddit
I say: Cars are cheating, you aren’t getting a workout.
countrychook@reddit
Right there with you. I lost over 100 pounds riding my bike everyday. I started in pas 3, the highest level. Now easily am in pas 1 and there is no way I could have done it with a regular bike.
GentlyToastedMMallow@reddit
When my partner was 5 years old, he was run over by a tractor and paralyzed from the waist down. He taught himself how to walk, run jump, and climb all over again. When his birthday came around, I got him the ebike he had his eyes on, which was one of the Windone models. He dealt with a lot of low back hip and leg pain. Just the other night, he told me how good his body feels from riding it every day and that he's seeing muscle mass he hasn't seen since he was a teenager playing football and working on his family farm come back. He made an oath to himself to always be as mobile as possible after what he went through and watching him, you'd never know it. the ebike has been a fantastic option for him to exercise.
Anyone who says ebikes are cheating is a loon. You have made incredible progress, sir!
ONeroBeatz@reddit
What a redundant statement, no offence but imagine people who ride motorcycles, they must be even bigger cheaters lol. Or how about car drivers. Or imagine people who use ski jets are cheating and not working out as they could just swim
RennmaWeg@reddit
Be proud of your results. You are doing great!💜
BoringBob84@reddit
I think that some of this attitude comes from car-dependent culture. When we believe that cars are the only practical method of transportation and that bicycles are only practical for recreation and exercise, then a bicycle that provides assistance seems to defeat the purpose.
When I ride my eBike, my main goal is transportation. I am not competing for speed. I am not trying to maximize my aerobic workout. Yes, some assistance helps with speed and pedaling gives me exercise, but what matters most to me is getting to my destination in a reasonable amount of time. In that context, a little assistance makes sense.
nousernamesleft199@reddit
As a fellow fat guy, I just want one for going up hill. I'd be way more inclined to ride to work that way.
jreezy88@reddit
Hell, I use the extra weight from mine to get a harder workout. Turn off peddle assist, and it's an even greater challenge than any bike. I call it my traveling exercise bike, lol
ThrowStonesonTV@reddit
When I lost 58kg (128kg to 70kg) in 2019 I started cycling to keep it off and get fit. I had been inactive for over 2 decades and because of the weight loss which included muscle, I was at almost zero fitness. I got an ebike to get into cycling because I was scared to go too far from home in case I didn't have the energy to make it back since we lived on a large hill. I found that the ebike allowed me to push myself far harder than I otherwise would have as I knew I could just lean on the battery to get me home if I needed to. I am 100% convinced that it got me fitter faster than a normal bike would have.
Well done mate, you're looking amazing!
Beautiful_Home_5463@reddit
I can’t walk very far due to my feet and arthritis in my back. My e bike gets me out exploring places that I’d never see otherwise while getting me moving and helping my circulation.
larphraulen@reddit
Bravo. All I can say is if you have an idea (such as an e-bike), pursue the idea. If it doesn't work, then try something else. No one can speak for you. We are all built and wired differently.
Amos_Dad@reddit
I used to race DH mountain bikes and I'd be BEAT after a day of riding having not pushed the pedals more than a few times. Just coasting downhill was a workout. Same could be said for an ebike. Takes muscles to keep you balance and control the bike. Heck, I get tired after a long day on my motorcycle on the road.
ilovecheese831@reddit
Good for you! 💕
mtbjay10@reddit
I have a specialized Vado I use for commuting and it 100% gives you a workout. You can just go faster and farther, but you still put in work
alttabbins@reddit (OP)
I bought a Lectric XP in 2020, since then I have upgraded to a Specialized Turbo Vado 4.0. I had over 5000 miles on my XP before the computer reset on it, but I probably hit about double that before I upgraded.
hysys_whisperer@reddit
People don't say the same shit when they see someone using the pull-up assist or dip assist machine at the gym.
Saying an Ebike isn't a bike just guarantees people who can't already ride a long distance on a bike never get there, the same as people who cannot do one unassisted pull-up never getting to the point that they can do 10 unassisted pull-ups without the machine helping build them up to the point they can do at least one unassisted.
Also, I don't have all day to get to work. If I'm going to commute on my bike, I need it to go 20 or 25. I don't have time for a longer commute time. So instead of the 20 minutes of workout each way, without the ebike I'd get 0 minutes of exercise each way because I'd drive instead.
cheeseIsNaturesFudge@reddit
Not to take away from your point but there absolutely are people that will shame others for using assisted dip/pull up. Gatekeeping jerks really are everywhere unfortunately.
blueskyredmesas@reddit
The iconic passtime of turning our noses up at people for not doing something the way we'd do it.
If anyone sees this post and is still doing anything short of ignoring those kind of people, don't. They deserve to be ignored because they want vindication and attention that they don't deserve. If they don't love what they do enough that they get enough satisfaction from just doing it and being happy then they're the problem, not you.
Greenhaagen@reddit
I saw an unemployed person getting help with their CV and interview skills, what a cheat!
camiknickers@reddit
100% when i was younger i had a 30km commute each way, and it was just beyond what i could do on a manual bike, so instead i drove. Ebike allowed me to do it, so +3 hours of pedalling a day. Managed 5 round trips one week = 300km.
blueskyredmesas@reddit
holy shit, congrats!
I always tell people that, for people that can't get over the initial wall of difficulty around biking in general but especially biking in the US, eBikes are perfect. It sounds like this checked out for you here.
The people who call it cheating probably need to look away from Stravia for a second. Not everyone is an enthusiast who is looking for an outlet for their spare time. Most of us are working, need to get around or have some kind of activity that's easy to integrate, That's what eBiking is for.
redisdead__@reddit
You seem like a guy to ask and I've been waiting for someone like you to post. I'm a husky feller myself but when I see most of these e-bikes they list their weight limit as like 250 lb and I'm thinking so most American adult men can't ride them? That doesn't make any sense what does that mean. Did you have any concerns about weight limit or find anything about it that would make you favor one type of bike over another?
abercrombezie@reddit
Congrats! I’ve got the Specialized Creo, and with pedal assist, you can still get a solid workout. Yeah, people call me a cheater, but I just chuckle and keep grinning like I’ve got a motor in my smile too.
_TheWolfOfWalmart_@reddit
Congrats! And I can confirm. I got an ebike 5 months ago and already lost 30 pounds in that short time. From 300 to 270. It actually makes biking fun so that I want to do it.
I got a regular bike years ago, but when you're 300+ pounds, hills are IMPOSSIBLE. It was so hard that I gave up trying.
You burn fewer cals per mile, but it makes it so you can just keep going and going to make up for it. I put in between 20 and 40 miles daily.
Ebikes saved the day for me.
Falequeen@reddit
If there were only analog/acoustic/whatever you want to call them, I would rarely bike to work. With my ebike, I can get up my speed on the parts of my trip to work where the drivers would likely try to kill me if I were on an analog bike.
Good job on the work, you're killing it!!!
OriginalStockingfan@reddit
Keep up the great work and the fun. E-bike are saviours for so many of us, just ignore the Luddite’s
SaintAvalon@reddit
Good job, what bike? I’ve been looking at e-bikes but have no clue of brands and stuff.
jake-8-k@reddit
It’s all relative, depends on your fitness and your goals. Congrats on making positive changes for yourself!
jake-8-k@reddit
It’s all relative, depends on your fitness and your goals.
NaboosTurban@reddit
Great work! As an avid cyclist and tennis player, I find the gatekeeping and snarkiness insufferable in both communities. When I was ascending Mt. Ventoux in France and getting passed by seniors on e-bikes, I thought, "That's awesome -look at the amazing opportunity ebikes are creating for people!". Why don't others see it this way? I think the bottom line is when people are snarky about e-bikes it's really about their own fragility and discomfort with themselves.
Awesome that you are happier and in a great place as well. Keep enjoying riding!
(btw tennis gatekeeping is usually just tennis players shitting on pickleball - I like both).
hikerjer@reddit
Definitely the dark side.
kurisu7885@reddit
Using pedal assist is still cardio.
Terrorphin@reddit
Anything that gets people out and moving is a win. ebikes are fantastic for getting people who would not otherwise bike out, for helping people keep biking as they age - for making it fun. ebike hate is utterly toxic and pointless.
iamblankenstein@reddit
i only have a non-electric folding bike, but i'd love to have an ebike as well. it's really goofy how people get so tribal over EVERYTHING these days. the only thing an ebike does differently is allow you to go further, allow people with disabilities or limited mobility ride, and help flatten out hills. no one is forcing regular bike folk from riding their bikes. it's silly as hell.
No_Savings3155@reddit
I'm 6' 185lbs and 14% BF. I ride a cannodale road bike which gives me great exercise.
A few months ago I bought a Aventon Level 3 with my wife. I fucking love it. At the end of the day when I'm a little burnt, i take the ebike around the lake (20 miles)
Is it as strenuous as my road bike? Nope. But it can be 80 % of it easily. Those who say it's cheating can fuck themselves.
Flat_Football948@reddit
Thanks for posting. I just saw this youtube video yesterday that was a comical skit about a guy gaining hella weight after buying an ebike and here you are flexing on them in real life. I love it! Bike safe, Love.
eliza31@reddit
This is awesome! Thanks for the post, I got an ebike to go biking with my kids, I am not in the shape to jump on a regular bike and keep up with them. We haven't stopped, we go everywhere together. Its great for me just to get outside and enjoy my time with them. It has also pushed me to be cleaner with my eating and more conscious. I don't give a sh*t what anyone thinks of it!
Responsible_Earth393@reddit
The big problem about misunderstanding is that ebikes are lazy. they are but not the ones with a mid drive if you riding a ebike with a front hub motor or rear hub its a lot lazier it gives you all the time full power. front hub and rear hub motors have only a rotation sensor and mid drives have also an rotation sensor but also an torque sensor and that sensor is a pretty good calorie burn sensor because how harder you pedal how more the motor can give.
SweatyAdagio4@reddit
Great job on the weight loss. But I do want to give my perspective in NL.
Most people are starting to hate ebikes for young people. Older people using ebikes has been around for a long time, since I was a kid, even some petrol powdered pedal assisted bikes iirc.
But we have a concerning rise in obesity amongst children, and children riding ebikes (especially fatbikes). Even expats riding ebikes, and even local adults in their 20s-30s are going along with the ebike craze. The problem is that many of these bikers are overconfident in their abilities (especially the kids), riding faster than the speed limit (25kph) and are causing accidents.
For your health, the fietsersbond (our bikers union) has written several articles about it. People get ebikes to avoid sweating and high heart rates when biking. Some fatbikes don't even need pedal assistance, but I believe that may be illegal now. Its often better to just stick to a good regular bike, than to get an ebike.
But that's in NL. I don't know how the situation is where you live. For some people, even in NL, there are people whose commute is simply too long with a regular bike, and with an ebike their commute suddenly becomes possible. For older people, like my parents, ebikes have enabled them to make much longer commutes from the suburbs into the city.
Sad-Teaching508@reddit
Congrats man! Couldn’t agree more, just getting out into the world can be just what you need from a mental health standpoint. Keep doing your thing! 🙌🏼
Sad-Teaching508@reddit
Also, just realized my name is Sad Teachings… WTF?! 😂
Vedicstudent108@reddit
I don't hang with hyper competitive ppl ! They think everything is a competition! What exactly are we cheating at ?
LDlOyZiq@reddit
This is how my dad started too. He has lost about 30kg of weight since.
hoon_tx@reddit
Proud of you brother - keep it up!
hyperblue128@reddit
Ah, you lost your sneakers.
stephenmakesart@reddit
Awesome. Congratulations. Keep going. Your success inspires me to keep getting back on my ebike. I think I will try and ride some today
Perfect_Buddy7550@reddit
Great job!
They are just jealous they don't have your ebike!
Electronic-Try888@reddit
Great work OP!!
People also forget that ebike users tend to go on further trips, at least that's true of my partner and myself! If I biked normally somewhere it would be a few blocks. Meanwhile on my ebike I literally just finished a 45 minute trek across the city to work. Surely that makes up for the lower proportional calories burned.
garenp@reddit
That's awesome! I love stories like this. I'm actually more interested in how much you ride and how often. At this point I've come across countless stories from people that an ebike is what got them riding regularly.
Being in a hilly area I see almost no one riding something that's *not* an ebike!
Recent_Opportunity78@reddit
I had people constantly screaming stuff like that at me when I used to ride everyday
Ravio11i@reddit
Hey... even if you're not working MUCH, it's awful hard to eat a donut while you're riding a bike. Sedentary boredom eating is my downfall. If I'm busy I'll go a long time without eating then stop for a meal, but man you get me sitting, I'm looking for snacks.
HotAstronaut8629@reddit
I saw a guy eating a plate of carne asada tacos while riding a bike yesterday so nothing is impossible
Stfrieza@reddit
A plate?? 😂
HotAstronaut8629@reddit
Yeah he was holding it with both hands squeezing the lime and everything while just happily peddling along in the bike lane it was honestly really impressive
Stfrieza@reddit
Well he sounds like an exception 😂😂
Ravio11i@reddit
I said donut... Tacos are a whole different thing!
:)
Klutzy-803@reddit
So true! Since I bought my ebike I can't wait to get home from work and ride rather than sit and wait to go to bed and start the crazy sedentary cycle all over again. It's such a relief knowing I can add some assistance if these 60+ legs can't make it back home before dark.
Voxicles@reddit
Man ain’t that the truth. If I stay busy all day, I forget to eat. The moment I sit down and get bored, I start eating. (I can afford to miss a few meals a week 😂)
lostharbor@reddit
What always annoyed me is those same loud mouth clowns would not be doing anything at all. Even worse they are championing you on trying to get healthy. Those type of people have no place in my life. Either be supportive or get out
sweetcomputerdragon@reddit
Inappropriate post to e bike site: e biker posts are common on cycling sites.
Michael_Borowski@reddit
Try working 12 to 16 hours a day and then having to peddle 5.5 miles home after being on your feet the whole day. I only went ebikes because a 2 stroke was too loud for riding through neighborhoods at 4am. Nobody wants to hear chainsaw running before 7am. I wasted my money on electric because of that.
Zyoneatslyons@reddit
There’s also battery fatigue- people Don’t realize we very much so need to be part of the process to make the bike work, and that’s pedaling lol no different than getting a gym membership and going on the bike with all the settings on it to make it easier to pedal. Your heart rate still goes up regardless, which means you’re burning calories.
lilNEDad@reddit
Don't listen to the haters, so proud of you, dude!
morgan423@reddit
Always this, despite the fact that the overwhelming majority of ebikes have had a "pedal assist so low that it only offsets the motor and battery weight" settings it for years now
Congrats on your accomplishments OP! I'd say you are demonstrably showing the haters.
Cabbie110@reddit
BRAVO FRIEND!!! Congrats!!!!
ahansen101013@reddit
E-assist bikes ain’t cheating. I went from biking 300 miles a year to 3000 miles in 4 months. Pedal to the metal, assist as much as possible. And for the mental health side, 100 percent agree. Clears the brain. GOOD JOB and KEEP IT UP!!!!!!!
Reasonable-Long3052@reddit
I don't think this kind of change would've come entirely from simply working out.
BrentarTiger@reddit
Ebikes provide the ability and confidence to go further. If you're scared you'll get stranded on a normal bike due to getting tired, the ebike gives that confidence to go a little further, or even just go out in general on a bike. It helps with hills, keeping up with traffic, carrying more than you usually would (such as groceries on bike instead of driving your car down the street, you ride your ebike with a basket). The ebike gives EVERYONE, no matter their disability, physical fitness, and drive to exercise the ability to get out and get healthy. It helped me lose weight and become more fit when I had one, and I have since graduated to a normal bicycle after 3 years.
AccomplishedAnchovy@reddit
Great job man that’s awesome. I bet if you were on a normal bike you wouldn’t have reached this level of weight loss too. Because you would have gotten to an actually healthy weight under 200lbs.
Butthurtz23@reddit
lol e-bike is a great way to start out by assisting. Good example: no one can do 5 full pull-ups on the first try because you need to do a different workout method to build up enough strength to pull your own weight on the pull-up bar.
PrimitiveMan4@reddit
Ebike or no it does not matter. The most important thing when it comes to losing weight is diet.
shasbak@reddit
People that say that are dumb and stupid. Imagine racing against a sports car and complaining that well the sports car has a V8 twin Turbo! Lol 😂 no one wanted to compare or cared to notice what you feel, it’s a mobility item to help people get back on the track and commute with less effort 😎 OP amazing job on the weight loss journey!
jull1234@reddit
Just another reason to take the haters with 2000 mg of salt.
nicvic83@reddit
ANY repetitive exercise in the outdoors is beneficial. Not everyone wants to compete in the Toure D’ France.
Prudent-Car-3003@reddit
Good for you. I am proud of you. Just think of all the sites you have seen on your adventures. Keep going.
Hot-Union-2440@reddit
As long as it's pedal assit, but yeah. I have Vado SL which is pedal assist only and max of just under 300W assist. All that motor does is make me go faster, I still ride about as hard as I can. Shout out to BLEVO which tracks rider and motor separate.
https://www.strava.com/activities/14693894475
StopBanningMeAlright@reddit
Which bike do you have? I'm in the process of losing weight. I've lost 62lbs since Jan 1st with no exercise but now things are starting to slow down and I want to start doing some light exercise. I'd love to get an e-bike because it would mean I could go on bike rides with my kid, which is something I haven't been able to do due to weight issues.
ekso69@reddit
Hell ya brother!
Afwife1992@reddit
I use an e-bike because I have arthritis in my knee and fibromyalgia. I’ve been losing weight but there’s no way I could ride a regular bike. And even if you weren’t losing weight it’s still getting you out in the fresh air which has health benefits of its own. People can stfu. Keep going!
Boblawlaw28@reddit
Good for you! I’m losing weight too (not nearly as much as you!) and enjoying the mental health be edits as well!y bike weighs 70 pounds. I absolutely couldn’t pedal on my own (yet). I’m able to go further than I would on a standard bike. You’re outside, you’re riding, who cares what anyone thinks. My whole fam has E-bikes. My adult child wants to lose some weight and ride with me but thinks because they need the throttle more than I do that they are cheating. I’m like no way. When I first started riding, I needed more help too. What matters is you’re out there trying. Your stamina increases with each ride, the weight comes off as it needs to, and you get to feel good about the fresh air and excercise. Period. I don’t care what anyone thinks of my bike. It’s my therapy. You’re doing awesome!! My husband wants to lose weight and needs more help, he’s taking zepbound. Is that cheating? Nope. Whatever you need to do to be healthy is all that matters.
Anustartyeg@reddit
Hey I hear it all the time, what ever helps get you out the door to exercise is better then not going at all, great work 👍
Ill_Cheetah_1991@reddit
The motivation for going out when you can do 10-20 miles is far greater than if you ar epushing it to do 3 miles
the places you can go are more and you can get to nicer places
and in any case my ebike has a button on it
if I press it then I go from eco to tour to sport to turbo
and I can switch it off
and if someone can get up the steep hill on one of my ride without breathing heavily on a bike that weighs 50lbs then please ask which pro team they ride for!!!
on which point - why is running in Eco mode on my ebike cheating when the person asking has spent loads fo money of very lightweight everything for their bike and as much money for goos aero and low wind resistance clothes
and why tdo they ride in the drops to reduce wind resistance
all those things are just there to make it easier to pedal
like a motor!
so before you moan I want to see you riding around on a Raleigh ELite from the 1970s (like the one I used to have) and wearing a cycle cape that had the wind resistance of a motorway service station
Boblawlaw28@reddit
Bingo!! I ride 8 miles in the country by my house daily. The last climb to get home is a b*tvh and no peddling or throttle makes it any better. It’s dangerous because farm equipment and heavy duty trucks travel this road every day, it’s got a huge blind spot, and there’s no place for me to pull over if there’s too much traffic. So I throttle and pedal like crazy.
bloomingskinIN@reddit
Everyone has to start somewhere. After I broke my fibula and completely displaced my ankle, I thought that I’d struggle simply walking for the rest of my life. Much less riding a bike ever again. My e-bike has helped improve my range of motion, balance, and confidence. I no longer avoid those everyday challenges because of pain.
ExpertAccomplished28@reddit
Ngl this has more to do with an improved diet than riding an ebike…
Aggressive_Hair_8317@reddit
Ebike is transportation with benefits, who cares what these idiots think? Way happier on my bike than in a car, that’s all that matters to me.
Milters711@reddit
Awesome!
joehonestjoe@reddit
I maintain anyone who says you can't get exercise on an ebike has never ridden one.
J3FF949@reddit
Any budget friendly recommendations for e-bikes that can handle someone over 450 lbs?
xxthatsnotmexx@reddit
Idk if it fits your budget but the Velotric Nomad 2 or Velotric Nomad X2.
blatantinsanity855@reddit
Most purpose built e bikes will handle that with no major issues. I would recommend Slime tubes in the tires for punctures, but the frames are overbuilt and very solidly welded.
Bluepig47@reddit
I don't even with 150. 😞. I got shitty genes. Sounds like you've worked your ass off to lose that much weight.... so my hats is off to you good sir. Keep up the hard work. It's already paying off
blatantinsanity855@reddit
If you are happy and your head is right, no one needs to be saying jack crap to you about exercise-you're doing fine. Enjoy your ride, Sir!
Difficult_Act_3538@reddit
I know those comments can be demotivating but you know what you're dealing with, not them. It's a good thing you come on here because you can get real motivation from people who know the journey.
beardingmesoftly@reddit
"Move more, eat less" doesn't mean that you have to move a certain amount more, it just means move more than you currently are. You are proof of this. Well done!
Top-Relief3596@reddit
I’m sure the caloric deficit help a ton too
Humble_Ad8091@reddit
42% of Americans are obese! This is not normal, and underlines a significant health crisis! That's a pandemic bigger than Covid as obesity kills! A regular bycicle can make you into an athlete, but not everyone has the energy/dedication/time for that! Assisted excersise is the rehabilitation for obese Americans!
captureONC3@reddit
just a change of diet and et voilà
amzeo@reddit
Motorbikes, cars, planes, and spaceships are also cheating. Road bikes are cheating. Shoes are cheating
MulberryWilling2175@reddit
Good on you top man. E-bikes make you do more still a work out but also enjoyable. Personally I could not give a rats arse as to what any one else says.
Matloc@reddit
It's going to sound rude but how does a 430 pound guy ride a bike? Can't say I've seen someone that big on a bike. Good job though and keep it up. I've heard the same cheating comments from people at work and it's annoying. The young women will laugh about it too but most of them are also fat. I think everyone just assumes it's a moped with a throttle.
minty2717@reddit
E bikes certainly aren’t cheating, but you will never get the full benefits of cycling, it’s not a cheat, more of an assist.
superdood1267@reddit
Come on dude don’t delude yourself, I was basically the same, 460lbs, now down around 240lbs and kept it off for last 3 years now. You’re deluding yourself if you think it wasn’t 90% diet and 10% exercise. You said “I made some diet changes too” no shit, you would have been eating 4000 calories a day at your old weight, at least. But yes I do agree that riding is fucking awesome and it doesn’t matter if you have a motor or not, and in some cases can even really help people like yourself get into riding even with low cardio fitness. I had to build my fitness up over time on first a recumbent stationary bike before I got outside on a mountain bike.
Anyway good work but don’t be so dismissive of the diet changes you made, it’s essentially to stay on top of them or else you’ll gain some back. I fluctuate between 100kg and 115kg over summer to winter, it’s annoying but at least I’m not 200kg anymore, it was fucking misery at that weight.
stonecats@reddit
same can be said for regular bikes. once i realized this i switched from biking to walking and rucking; lost more weight, got in better shape. the only problem with walking is it's time consuming or about 25min per mile, so if you are trying to get somewhere, then go back on the bike.
wiktor_bajdero@reddit
It's scientifically proven that ebike owners statistically accept longer distances and are choosing bike more often to commute. I'm biking to work shoping etc. since forever yet sometimas I was lazy or had more stuff to haul so going by car. Since I have assisted cargo bike (half a year) I drove a car 4 times and 2 of this 4 trips was due to car maintenance...
FunkyWhiteDude@reddit
Theyre actually a great workout tool, especially if you remove the battery or have it turned off, at which point it becomes a 30 kilo deadweight
I do it sometimes and it feels great
patatepowa05@reddit
Even riding a motorcycle is more exercise than a car
Midnight_Rider_629@reddit
I might get a few downvotes, but classify me as a hater. I'm HPV all the way. HOWEVER... I am all in favor of anything that will get someone's butt off the couch, and I have seen miracles happen for people riding ebikes. Ebikes are transformative, and allow people more freedom of movement. You have to start somewhere, right?
OP: Congrats on your loss! I mean that sincerely. Good job!
speculator100k@reddit
Impressive! What bike do you have?
JoshyLikey@reddit
Hell yea
SuperbTraffic1@reddit
I got a ebike so it saves me £100 a month on poxy buses.
maxs507@reddit
Numerous studies have shown that e-bike riders get more excercise than regular bike riders because they bike more often and for longer distances.
I’m a daily e-bike commuter and go 15-20 miles a day. I wouldn’t feel comfortable doing this on a regular bike, because it’s too far and unsafe… so if I wasn’t riding an e-bike, I’d be driving my car. Isn’t it all of the drivers that are being lazy? 🤔
Schnoeker@reddit
If E bikes are cheating, what are cars?
lillebjornlee@reddit
Guy wearing a tshirt for raising money for cancer for kids screamed at me that it’s cheating as I was rehabilitating myself post-cancer treatment. People have no clue and somehow feel entitled to comment on people just living their lives. Ride on. This is incredible progress.
sws1875@reddit
I assume your eating changed. You can't outbike poor eating.
DanZDaPro@reddit
Getting assisted pedaling is the same as using counter weights on the pull up machine in the gym. Why is it bad if it helps you push yourself a few extra reps? I'm on a smaller (195 pounds, aiming for 175 or below) journey, and am also slightly annoyed when people give incorrect/unfair thoughts. The real challenge is keeping yourself disciplined and on a consistent plan, where doing something you enjoy (ebike) will be a huge benefit. Nice work.
Suspicious-Hat-1878@reddit
I don't get this statement. Cheating what exactly? Isn't this just a hobby like any other, so partake in it however you enjoy it the most
Suspicious-Mix-7179@reddit
As long as u pedal more u will get a workout even if it's just light cardio...turn pedal assist off for max benefit. Keep moving your body the say. I'm never going back to a regular bike.
streamer85@reddit
When I get an ebike I did 1000km in first month and gained 2kg :-) but it was because I needed to ěreward myself with fish and chips agter ride.
Seizure_Gman@reddit
Yes ebikes may not give you the same hard level of exercise as a manual pedal bike but end of the day unless your using a throttle and in the UK that's illegal your still exercising.
In fact I would say I am exercising more on my ebike as I am doing way more miles on it than my manual bike.
I would even say over the year my fitness has improved and if I could force myself to eat better I would have lost way more than 2 stone over the year.
For example on my old manual bike I was only doing about 4 miles before I was tired as where I live is hilly. The bike meant I could do about 10 miles before the battery ran out now I'm doing about 14 miles as I'm actually using less pedal assist on flats and none downhills in fact I only put it on max when I'm going uphill
Fragrant-Bowl3616@reddit
Ebikes give you flexibility to pedal and cruise. I like knowing I can cruise when I'm tired and pedal when I need to pedal. I think people talking crap usually can't afford an Ebikes (not a good one anyway).
Heavy_Bicycle6524@reddit
Well done mate. You should be proud of yourself
TheJoshuaAlone@reddit
You can’t cheat if there is no competition. What is the person telling you Ebikes are cheating competing for?
OkOrganization868@reddit
You can easily cheat on workouts. There is a reason many people use a wrong form when it gets hard, cause it's easier with a wrong form but it's also accomplishing nothing
Buchlinger@reddit
It’s pride and ego for absolutely no fucking reason.
Good_Ear_8023@reddit
So are cars but I don’t hear any complaining about them
Live_Measurement_974@reddit
My 23 year old son bought an ebike to get to work and back, 6km round trip. He's never been athletic and Uber was costing.
After just 3 months he's started to try do a better time each day, pushing himself by using less and less electric assistance.
Late_Duty_5745@reddit
Nah. Sorry. EBikes suck and don't belong ANYWHERE. Streets with cars - uh uh. Sidewalks with pedestrians - oh, no, no, no. Bike paths - yeah, smash into me at 20 mph, no helmet, etc.
hanks_panky_emporium@reddit
Ive really been considering an ebike as a primary source of transportation in-future but im slamming into the whole 'cost' thing. Also trying to lose weight, but non motored bikes even with a weight limit over 320 are hard to come by and tend to start around $1,500. Which is so far outside of my price range.
Going to peruse some used bike options and just hope it doesn't shatter beneath me.
Sufficient_Claim_581@reddit
The very act of balancing on bike strengthens the core. And also who cares what anyone says.
scots@reddit
Turn the pedal assist on your 65 pound ebike to level 1, ride it 10 miles and tell me it's "easier than a normal bike."
slouchenheimer@reddit
People will tear down anything you do to better yourself. If you start eating one healthy thing, they will highlight every unhealthy thing you do.
This post, however, celebrates a heathy outcome from a sustained effort. I do not know you, but as someone who owns and operates a bicycle and an e-bike and has lost weight on both, I am proud of you!
Fair-Discipline-1005@reddit
E bikes changes your life,so it is with mine...😀👍
AScottishGamer@reddit
As a fellow big rider can you let me know what e-bike you went with, was it a one and done or did you try several
AttorneyAdvice@reddit
whatever heavy duty ebike you rode on should sponsor you
thecloudclown@reddit
Honestly use a pedal assisted bike myself as my lungs were affected after COVID hit. It really helped a lot in regaining at least part of my endurance and breathing capacity. If it helps others, especially as everyone has their own circumstances, it shouldn’t matter what people think. As long as you’re not harming anyone, I believe you should do what’s best for you.
DeeplyFlawed@reddit
And bikers tend to have great, toned calves.
Mrjohnson678910@reddit
I mean yeah anything that gets you off the couch and into nature is going to help. Is an ebike a good workout? No but it gets you off your butt and moving.
Some_Nibblonian@reddit
Cheating?! SHOW ME THE RULES! BIKE ON!
Broad_Ad941@reddit
It baffles me that the 'it's not exercise' mentality persists. Sure, there are people throttling around everywhere, but those are the same people who wouldn't get on a bike at all before anyway.
Mcuatmel@reddit
you still need to put in your own watts to move at significant speed. With 80w input, on a normal bike you reach 18 km/h, on an ebike 25. (Still need to pedal) So you still burn. Thing is that you might spend less time on an ebike to reach the destination, so less workout time.
rollenr0ck@reddit
I am partially disabled. I’ve had seven surgeries on my left foot. I used to be active and people considered me skinny. With a lot of pain with walking, I gained a lot of weight. I discovered personal electric vehicles. I started with an e-bike, then I got a Onewheel skateboard, and an electric unicycle. I dropped over 50 pounds, and I’m maintaining 125 easily. I’m not exercising anymore than I was, not eating different, but I am so much more active. Spending six hours in one day riding around with friends is fun, there is no work. I may not be getting a workout, but I’m outside playing.
TheEvilPirateLeChuck@reddit
r/imaginarygatekeeping
Kozmic-Stardust@reddit
Ebikes are not cheating. My wife and I ride much farther and longer thsn we could using pedals alone. We commute everywhere around town and we do get a workout from riding them, especially in pas mode.
Congrats on losing the weight. Our weight have stayed steady but we are building muscle as fast as losing fat. My heart is excellent. Liw resting pulse. My hdl cholesterol is high and my ldl is low. My doc said this was exceptional for my age (44) as I was on the other side of the bell curve.
mellomike5@reddit
I can't be bothered to read your whole post but it looks like I'm not right thing are you trying to create type 3 diabetes
mellomike5@reddit
Seriously not all of us are totally about that if you want to wear the murder men's stay at home with your kitty if you want to accuse us that we're lazy I know people at the local gym I can find your address don't be player hating
Wut3v3rman@reddit
Cadence or torque sensor?
Time-Elderberry-3002@reddit
Hope you enjoy every ride
Coixe@reddit
Congrats. Personally I get zero exercise. I know I can make it slower and more difficult but I can also make it faster and easier and that’s the one I always choose. Maybe it’s a lack of discipline, call it whatever. But I know that if it’s exercise I’m after, I would use a standard bike because there’s no “easy” mode.
Surfhome@reddit
What?! It’s still a workout! People hate on things they don’t understand… whoever is against e-bikes sucks
EdGaleMage@reddit
Congrats! For me, while my e-bike isn’t as intensive exercise as my old one, it is daily exercise. Nowmy hour commute to work doesn’t wipe me out, and I’m regularly getting getting in 160kms a week, instead of the occasional, when the weather is right and I’m feeling good and I have the time and… (etc, etc), where I was lucky to ride once a month.
corrreccctor@reddit
they are harder to ride without the motor and I only use the motor on hills
Brokenblacksmith@reddit
personally, I say it is. You will not get the same amount of exercise as riding a normal bike.
However, you will still be getting a better workout than sitting at home. If an e-bike is what it takes to get someone out of the house and put effort into their health, so be it.
InvestigatorSenior@reddit
Ebikes mixed with healthier diet are a cheat code into your fitness. Almost a year ago I was 30kg heavier and in very bad shape. Now I have looks of a typical cyclist, textbook weight and performance of 'trained amateur' 20 years younger than me. Never before I was close to that good shape.
All because I feel in love in doing forest trails after work and touring on weekends. 7k km not counting stationary bike in the winter.
chessset5@reddit
As long as there is any resistance, you will get a workout. Go for 15 or an hour to get your heart rate up and you are good for that day.
malacatan@reddit
💪💪💪 keep it up
5litergasbubble@reddit
If it helps, then it isn't cheating. Good on you, im proud of you
em_powrr@reddit
I cycle using a gravel bike and I have an e-bike, and they both have their purpose! I 100% can still get a workout on my e bike on the lower assist modes but more than anything my e bike gets me out the door on my bike all over my city EVERYday, where my bike before honestly I didn’t because sometimes it was too much of a workout!
I love gravel and road bikes as a sport, but fuck people for trying to police how anyone uses, work out with, or enjoys a bike, if you are getting outside, and enjoying yourself that’s amazing.
My Ebike brings me so much joy because of the accessibility it brings, they are truly a gift, i had no idea until I had one. I will never look back now, my Ebike is so essential and my go to.
Neenknits@reddit
My new motor on my old trike flattens the hills and speeds me up. I keep My cadence high, and my heart rate in the “barely can talk certainly cannot sing” ideal exercise range. This way, afterwards, my muscles are slightly sore, and my joints are no longer screaming, like after my old rides!
InevitablePlum6649@reddit
good for you!
i think the oil and gas industry is terrified of ebikes (and EVs), and they are actively spreading disinformation to keep people from trying them and "cheating"
Imagine if everyone switched one trip a week from a car to an ebike: they would lose millions (and everyone would be slightly healthier, slightly happier, and slightly richer)
impermissibility@reddit
Fuck yeah, man. Right on!!
settlementfires@reddit
Commuting on my e bike absolutely makes me stronger on my mountain bike. And i run a decent bit of assist, I'm not sweating in any real way, and i sweat plenty on a mechanical bike.
Honestly only takes about 5 more minutes than the car too
slow-bell@reddit
I lost 100 pounds with the help of mine. Best decision I've made in a long time. Good work and keep it up.
tjackson_12@reddit
lol it’s not like you’re competing in the Tour de France. Enjoy your ride!
ThisAdvertising8976@reddit
Congratulations!
mainjer@reddit
Good on you. Congratulations, keep up the great work. You don't need to please anybody except yourself. People are going to hate no matter what you do. If you walked the weight off they would say why didn't you run. Nothing that they think matters except what works for you. Happy to hear you're doing great, mentally and physically..
iPhoneK1LLA@reddit
Within two days of getting mine, I had an older gentleman open up a conversation asking "How many miles does it get?" to his second point being "Well it's cheating really isn't it."
To which my response was, "You may think so, but you most likely thought the same about the internet." to which he responded, "fair enough" and walked away.
Dude literally came up to ask a question about the bike that he didn't care for the answer of just to say it's cheating.
Sneakerwaves@reddit
Congrats man awesome job
Fair_Signature_7651@reddit
What bike did you go with? I'm in a similar position as you and want a bike robust enough to handle my weight. Thanks for the information and especially thanks for the inspiration.
Big-Reaction-5589@reddit
Hell yeah! “All Bodies are Good Bodies. All Bikes are Good Bikes. All Rides Should be Celebrated” -Marley Blonsky & Kailey Kornhauser
Embarrassed-Year9199@reddit
true story
spidergirl79@reddit
Im so happy for you. I lost 26lbs since starting 100 to go. People are just ignorant. It really does require effort to pedal.
Jkmarvin2020@reddit
Rock on bro.
auld-guy@reddit
30 years ago, I got it in my head that I wanted to get a bike and ride. I bought one used from a guy for a hundred bucks, and somehow not realizing that I lived in the mountain foothills, I ended up walking the bike home (this was before cell phones). I parked it next to the house, where it stayed until it was junked years later. Since I got my new (2nd) ebike in early May, I've ridden nearly 500 miles, though I'm missing a lot of TV.
StandardOffenseTaken@reddit
First day in college we had some type of PE class that we needed as a requirement for other classes down the line. Anyway day one this girl raise her hand and ask the professor/behavioral therapist what the best exercise to loose weight was. And the answer she received was very simple. "The best exercise to lose weight? The one you will do without getting bored or wont quit." It stayed with me, made sense, maybe cycling is best but if you do it 2 times a month for half and hour, it does not stand up to a daily 20 minute walk.
charisrev@reddit
You go!! That’s rad.
Jimx2@reddit
I always argue it's better than just sitting on a train and not moving. Then people normally just agree lol.
c0nfu5i0N@reddit
Gatekeepers exist everywhere, it's a fact of life.
If an Ebike gets you going from 0 to a 1 as far as physical activity level is concerned, even if you are a "throttle only" rider, you are getting out, and you are moving. Eventually, your just going to start pedaling, and that 1, changes to a 2, 3, 4, ect, ect.
Use your initial momentum, to fuel further momentum.
Yes, an acoustic bike will get you going up those scales faster, you will likely hate it much more. One of the secrets to consistent exercise, is to keep it fun, so if an ebike is what got you to start, don't let anyone tell you that you are cheating.
Alert_Ad3999@reddit
E bikes are generally better for loosing weight as you remain in lower heart rates where you burn fat more.
KiwiMarkH@reddit
Compare:
Normal bike, but it is too much work so screw it, I'll just take the car.
E-Bike - I can handle riding this, screw taking the car.
Which of those means more exercise? Studies have shown that people that ride e-bikes get more exercise and I'd be confident that this is the reason.
prof_stack@reddit
My first ebike saw me go on long rides every weekend. One day, the motor failed on the way up a Seattle hill. I shifted to the lowest gear and got up the hill no problem with that heavy bike.
That's when I learned that ebike riding is not cheating.
OP, Congrats on the weight loss and lifestyle changes!
GourdGuarder@reddit
There is no argument to be made, you are the evidence.
donpablomiguel@reddit
Haters gonna hate. All that matters is that you’re accomplishing your goals of getting healthier and having fun doing it. I only have the space to store one bike, but if I could an e-bike would be much better for my commute. Enjoy the ride.
Cellist-Perfect@reddit
Congrats, that's awesome! I don't care what anyone says, I feel plenty of leg burn when I ride mine. But then at the same time I can let it assist me more when I'm getting gassed out and need a break. Plus I can pull the kids in a bike trailer doing 15mph and not die in the process lol. Honestly haven't touched my regular bike since I bought my e bike in 2020.
jameytaco@reddit
You were able to ride a bike at ~450lbs?
Ilak_760@reddit
Well I only weigh 150 pounds sooo 🙆🏽♂️🤣
alttabbins@reddit (OP)
I lost a little over one llak_760.
Ilak_760@reddit
Right on!!!! 🤙🏽🔥
KettlebellCowboy@reddit
I used to try to use my Bicycle to replace my car and am decent shape, but after I got an electric E-bike I put in 3-5x’s the mileage! I take kiddo to school run almost all my errands with it and then just bomb around town with it. I may not be getting the same levels of intensity in my rides but I am absolutely getting more frequency and duration.
Plus, fuck what everyone else says, go have fun and enjoy yourself!
Aftermyownart@reddit
Congrats you’re looking great,as a matter of fact,tomorrow I am ordering my first e-bike,so to each his own.
peaceluvNhippie@reddit
Ebike or not, you made an incredible change and that is all on you, the ebike helped, but you are the one who used it as a tool to help you. Keep it up and we are all proud of you
TheGreatSoup@reddit
Look i stopped using my ebike because i move farther away from my job and the whole route went from 12-20 mintutes to an hour or more and with so many intersections and parts without a bike lane. Also having to carry the bike to a second floor because i cannot leave it in the streets.
This is like 6 months ago, and now im becoming fatter, it was so fast the change.
Im trying to think if i can get a smaller one foldable, because it wasn’t the weight of the bike thru the stairs, is the narrow of the stairs that I had a couple of close calls.
I do feel very uncomfortable with this bigger belly.
goingneon@reddit
Ebikes can be the perfect inspiration to get out there and get any exercise at all. And then that becomes a habit and you become a healthier person. Also who gives a damn anyways as long as you arent a nuisance to the road?
VoltasPigPile@reddit
Ebikes provide mobility to a lot of people who wouldn't easily be able to ride a regular bike. In this cancel culture world where you can be called racist or sexist for the simplest of reasons, it seems that being ableist is totally fine apparently. It seems that there are certain roads and trails that only exist for people in peak physical condition and that anybody else simply isn't worthy of being in these places, and we're all supposed to just be ok with that.
Ridge_Hunter@reddit
Well, people are idiots so F them...
Riding a regular bike for you was probably not physically possible at the beginning...it might be now...but if you enjoy your ebike and it gets you out that's all that's important. I think the unintelligent generally don't understand that there are literally pedal assist levels and if you want to make it more challenging you can just use less pedal assist.
Good for you man I'm proud of you. Keep doing you and being an inspiration for those that will listen without judgement
PopularSpread6797@reddit
I am hoping to use it to lose alot of weight too.
Question. Has your mileage gotten a lot better since you are weighing less?
markworsnop@reddit
good for you, man! I went from 260 down to 165 over two years. So whoever says it’s not a work out it’s crazy in my opinion it must do something.
throwawaythep@reddit
What a lot of people dont care about for fat people is that any movement outside your regular non-movement is helping you. When you have enough weight that your limbs are the same as dumbbells, you are literally working out when moving. People just want to see fat people fail honestly. The world is full of people who just enjoy making others miserable.
AwareOfAlpacas@reddit
The bike you ride is healthier than the bike you don't.
jay_howard@reddit
Fuck those mfs, just stay safe.
Ok_Entrepreneur_5833@reddit
Was riding on a long weekend last year, going through a rough part of the bike trail by the river and woods. Some methed out joker stumbling down the trail hollers out "That's cheating!" at me as I blasted past his camp not wanting to get torn apart by stray murder dogs I've seen in that area.
Everyone's got an opinion lol.
Let these loud mouth dumbasses have their wrong ones. My wife and I get out *far* more than we used to before we got our bikes a few years bike now we're always taking them out going everywhere. Pack up the foldables in the back of our SUV and go all kinds of places with them. We look forward to those trips more than any of the other vacations we used to take, even if they're just day trips.
Keep on going. I see more and more people on e-bikes every season, for good reason, they're fun as hell and inspiring to take out and ride and get outside and enjoy some good old fashioned outdoor activities when maybe you wouldn't be inspired otherwise. Haters gonna hate no matter what anyone does anyway.
Sure_Comfort_7031@reddit
E bikes are cheating.
And i love it. As someone who has no e bike or anything, i 100% respect them and am happy to see them out. Exception being the weight on MTB trails and asking people to lift them, but otherwise buzz buzz!
streightenup@reddit
The real cheaters are driving cars/trucks.
Truly-Destitute@reddit
u/textandstage Wow. Look how thin his calves have gotten!
textandstage@reddit
I mostly ride analogue these days.
This was yesterday’s ride
You still too fat to paraglide?
Shmokesshweed@reddit
Yea.
textandstage@reddit
You too?!
Say it ain’t so!
You’re missing out…
https://i.redd.it/itlmpbnm6t4f1.gif
Shmokesshweed@reddit
I might be getting an ebike soon lol
textandstage@reddit
I still use mine for long weekend adventures that would take all day in the analogue but can accomplished in 4-6 hrs on the eMTB.
I’m riding 5-6 days/week these days, and every 10th ride or so is on the eMTB
It’s a great addition to the quiver, would highly recommend.
Shmokesshweed@reddit
I do a lot of backcountry riding and it's a game changer for that.
textandstage@reddit
That’s exactly what I use it for 😏
Shmokesshweed@reddit
Specialized?
textandstage@reddit
Yep, Turbo Levo.
And then my analogue is a Stumpy Evo pro.
Shmokesshweed@reddit
I've ridden one of those. Feels great. The brakes were clapped tf out but the rest was good.
I think I wanna grab something with 38mm stanchions given what we have up here trail wise and my 420 pound weight. The YT bikes seem "cheap" but idk if I'm good with "only" 720 wh.
textandstage@reddit
I love my turbo levo 😎
Truly-Destitute@reddit
Other issues fucking with me these days. :(
textandstage@reddit
I’m sorry to hear that. Hope things get better.
TrueNova332@reddit
Some people don't like things that make things easier for people so they call it "cheating" but the fact that there's more and more tech that helps people do things that they otherwise couldn't do
Refills323@reddit
No one ever mentions also how some of our bikes are like 100pounds not no 10-20pounds. Without the pedal assist is tough, you still get a workout with pedal assist at bare minimum otherwise you just feel like ghost riding😂😎props!🤙🏽
Tall-Geologist1781@reddit
Yeah exactly. Mine are 75 and 125 lbs apiece so I make sure to keep those batteries charged because they're heavy lads. Turning down pas and pushing past their speed cap for a bit is a nice little burst of exertion.
Dazzling-Penis8198@reddit
It’s just giving your bike a speed bonus right? I imagine even slow pedaling would chip away at a big person regardless.
KingR00tinT00tin@reddit
I couldn't give a fuck about what they say! who cares that it's "cheating" it's so much fun zipping around the city. now I almost died in an accident 3 summers ago on an old bike. now I have an e-bike for my birthday that lets me go even faster, most fun I've had this year!
make sure you wear a helmet, if you're gonna be stupid you gotta be tough!
liubearpig@reddit
My e-bike weighs 110 pounds. Fuck whoever says I’m not getting a workout lol check out these quads
comedyzen@reddit
I have multiple ebikes and an acoustic. If I’m on my E bike and I’m just coasting at 12 to 13 mph I really don’t work. A sweat in the workout is very minimal. I only do that when I have my daughter in the cargo area when I take her to school. But once I drop her off, I try to maintain a 19 to 20 mph pace on the tour setting and I’m telling you I am sweating a storm and my heart rate is bustling. I realized I get a similar workout with my acoustic, but I’m just not riding as fast.
chig____bungus@reddit
It's been proven that children whose parents transport them on bikes tend to be healthier than kids whose parents transport them by car.
That is, a kid sitting in a child seat doing nothing while their parent pedals still gets health benefits.
Even if it was true (it isn't) that you're not doing anything on an ebike, there's so much more to health than just CICO.
bastian74@reddit
I get plenty of excersize on my ebike. I just go faster/farther and don't avoid hills.
JTGphotogfan@reddit
As some one with Spina bifida e-bikes have given me a new lease on life fitness and outdoor exploration. Any twit having a go at people of e-bikes needs to grow up and think a little more before opening their mouths. It’s just ignorance.
FROSTYTHEDROMAN@reddit
You are killing it. Proud of you.
Ebikes are amazing because they cut down the pain/barrier to healthy habits and allow anyone of any fitness level to start progressing. Keep it up!
Local_gyal168@reddit
Amazing! Yes you’re working out! I’m “riding” sometimes 100 mi/week! Keep up the good work!
FullMeltAlkmst@reddit
I got the 56 tooth ring and from 38-42 mph I get resistance on flat ground in all the pedal assist. It’s best for all gears in lower speeds for torque uphill and acceleration off the line.
SwanFo@reddit
What brand e-bikes can one find that are able to hold heavier weights? Asking for me!
lafolielogique@reddit
This is so great, thank you for sharing! And congrats!
SnooDoubts9079@reddit
Pedalling is pedalling. E-bike simply make it more fun. Way to go!
rikki1q@reddit
I'm doing similar. I'm about 6 weeks in and I've dropped 30lbs with regular exercise and diet changes.
nrgins@reddit
I'm on a similar journey. I'm curious what your diet changes are, and if you're using any kind of app to track your calories or if you're doing a different type of diet.
OddAstronaut2305@reddit
Great job!!!
nrgins@reddit
So happy for you, bro! That's great.
I'm on a similar journey. I bought an ebike a couple of years ago, and lost some weight. But I didn't watch my diet. So my weight tended to stabilize at about 300 lb.
Over the winter I stopped the biking and I gained the weight back till I hit about 323. Even though I love ebiking, I was having a hard time getting back into it.
I ended up buying a meta quest VR headset and started using some exercise apps on that, especially one that you use with a stationary bike, and it takes you through various worlds and has different sorts of activities along the way that make it interesting.
So with that, along with ebiking, and starting to watch my calories this time using MyFitnessPal, I find myself losing weight again. I'm down to about 300 again after a couple of months, and I hope to get down eventually to about 200, though I know that will take a while.
Anyway, just wanted to share my experience with you, as I found that using the VR headset, both with the stationary bike or by itself (using hitting or swatting apps that work out your arms) has been a great compliment to ebiking because it allows me to do it anytime of day or night, whatever the weather is, and if I just want to do it for a few minutes without having to go out and ride, I can just hop on the stationary bike and get a quick 15 minute workout or whatever.
So I found that it's a great compliment to ebiking because it allows me to workout at times where I might not necessarily get on the e-bike. So, FYI.
Hindsight001@reddit
Im seriously not trying to be mean or a dick but im genuinely curious which ebike company makes a 400+ weight capacity bike.
Like, i would love to use one to haul stuff and go do big grocery runs
alttabbins@reddit (OP)
They make cargo ebikes that have crazy weight capacity. Some are over 500 pounds. My Lectric XP has a 330 full payload weight limit, but it still did ok at my max weight. Its still in my garage and my wife rides it now. It still hauls her plus a kid or two in a trailer just fine.
XvDooMxX@reddit
Aipas
lntw0@reddit
Seriously, great job.
Unfortunately for 75% of US an bike is a workout, but ultimately whatever gets you out.
SigmaSixShooter@reddit
I love this post. Not because I care about bikes (or ebikes) but because I’m in your position. At 45 and pushing 370, I have zero motivation to get out and do anything.
It’s nice seeing someone succeed. Maybe I’ll go check out an ebike. Any tips on what to look for or what brands are good?
alttabbins@reddit (OP)
In my opinion - Brand isn't important for your first ebike, just get one that you will like to ride. It's hard to motivate yourself to ride something that's uncomfortable.
Weak_Patience_9755@reddit
Conversely, bikes with no gears are the best workout. Those multi gear bikes are cheating.
darkthewyvern@reddit
You don't have to be exhausting yourself to be healthy. Even an electric scooter can help you if it's got a decent amount of power and you need to be relatively competent to use it. Moving is better than not moving
MichiganRich@reddit
bike, no bike, e- or not, i just wanted to say i’m proud of you…. 50 year old you is ecstatic too
ancientalienzombie@reddit
What kind of e bike do you have? I’m a bigger guy and I’m looking at buying one but there is a lot of options.
tcgunner90@reddit
I truly don’t understand people.
If I ride an excercise bike for 2 hours. Nobody says to me “well, what resistance setting did you have it on. I bet you just put in on easy and you’re not getting a workout”
That would be an insane comment.
I ride my e-bike 20 miles before work for fun, and I guarantee you I’m working out harder than everybody else who isn’t doing something active.
I can ride a regular bike just fine, but currently I would not be able to ride 20 miles at a time. And guess what, going further is FUN. So it motivates me to do it more.
People that say those things just don’t want to see others be happy. It’s a flaw within themselves
LadyGonzo28@reddit
I have a regular gravel bike and a pedal assist fat bike and I love both of them, but the ebike fat bike gets me out biking on super windy / bad weather days when I might have otherwise stayed home, I still get my heart rate at least 120 minimum. That being said whenever I meet a gravel rider on my ebike I always think “they probably don’t think of me as a real cyclist” lol.
Mr4point5@reddit
Also, e-bikes aren’t necessarily for a workout. Mine is to replace a car. I ride to play basketball for 90 mins, shower, steam, etc. Then I ride to pick up my kid. Then I ride home. The way home is mostly uphill. Why would I want to get all sweaty hauling a kid uphill after I’ve cleaned up?
skerinks@reddit
I always tell them “I mean how far back are we going to go? If you wanna go back far enough, anything other than walking is cheating amirite? So un-ass your bike and start walking, cheater.”
Velocipedique@reddit
They can also become a necessity with old age... as an ex racer but now 83!
OddAstronaut2305@reddit
Great job!!!! I’m trying to get to 250 from 350, my ride to work is min of 10 miles each way, today I did 10.5 to work, 21.3 home and 5k steps as well. I plan on riding to work every day this summer and on the weekends too, when the weather is acceptable, rain is not a problem for me. I love to just take my time and have quiet me time while I ride.
juniormathisen@reddit
Great job. You're smashing it!!! I got two wrecked knees. Can't walk for long periods of time, can't run. Hell, can't even ride a bike as it puts painful pressure on my knees pressing down the peddals. And the wife has MS. Not much endurance in that one. Buying us ebikes is maybe THE ONE best thing I have done for our collective health. And we get to go and be outside experiencing the world and nature around us. No ebike = staying at home on the couch or using the car when having to go to the store. After getting ebikes = fun, activety, experiences and also better health. I am SOOOO damn tired of hearing everyone tell me I'm lazy or cheating using ebikes..
Away-Revolution2816@reddit
Congratulations! Ignore the idiots.
DaddyMoneyBucks@reddit
I'm so happy for you, people chiming in to express their thoughts without really thinking of their words. As if you haven't done everything you can think of. So glad ebike work out for you and the diet. Seriously, ebikes are the best thing that happened.
Melisthesun@reddit
I bought a bike to get some fitness in and got hit by a car a month later 😭 I’m scared to get back on the bike now and using it to commute. How do people commute everyday and avoid getting hit by cars?
livinglifewithdogs@reddit
I always give cars the right of way. I ride mostly residential roads. If there is a crazy drive I will pull over and wait for them to leave the area.
Melisthesun@reddit
Thanks. Do you just give yourself a lot of extra time to get places so you’re not rushing?
livinglifewithdogs@reddit
Always
seweso@reddit
The best bike is one you actually want to use. Mean people will say mean things (to feel better about themselves). And water is wet.
livinglifewithdogs@reddit
I love my e-bike. It was a game changer for me and I get the same commits. Whatever. Good job.
FullMeltAlkmst@reddit
My bike with the frame battery is weighing in around 170 lbs. I lost about 20 lbs so far pedaling it down hill and assisted uphill. I upgraded the chain ring to pedal at 40mph so I try to get the spinning in. I bought a e bike because I was looking at an indoor spinning bike so I figured why not get easy exercise around town.
Dapper-Mention-8396@reddit
How much of an increase did you go for when upgrading your chain ring? My bike has a torque sensor rather than a cadence sensor but after about 18 mph it just feels like ghost pedaling. I've been thinking about upgrading because of it but this is my first ebike and I didn't know how to go about it.
MRoss279@reddit
This is amazing! It really highlights what would happen if we somehow managed to reduce car dependency on a larger scale. Imagine how many people could experience such dramatic boost to health and wellness just by walking or biking, ebike or otherwise.
jemerocay@reddit
Bro I ride a motorcycle. It’s a workout for sure if you want it to be. I think e-bikes are the same way
Jalharad@reddit
Good work my dude! I did the same thing going from 385 to 230 last year. The ebike helped the motivation to get out so much, makes the ride so enjoyable
dabNebula@reddit
Ok_Credit2691@reddit
Love everything about this post, keep it up!
Tall-Geologist1781@reddit
You're doing so great and deserve to feel proud of how you got there man. 👍✨
I can confirm that for me the choice was either Ebike, or I rot at home and pay for grocery delivery.
My issue is severe knee pain when walking and general lack of stamina from being off my legs for 4 years due to that. I tried my old mountain bike and a simple 8km trip took me 2 hours and nearly killed me. Im not ashamed to say I cried from exhaustion.
I saved up and bought two Ebikes, one trike to serve as my grocery and 'truck' bike, and one super long distance cargo bike so I could visit friends the next town over. I live outside town and these two guys give me full ability to not only get to food and services without pain and misery while I slowly recover, but also live a happier life outside my home. When I'm ready, I'll ride to the pool to build my stamina back up.
I wouldn't go outside like this without them. Pain is demotivating! And pain is not always evident to people who give you shit. I got told by a dude when I was out that I should 'get a real bike and use my legs'. He shut up real fast when I told him, this is as much use as my legs can handle right now, as I was functionally disabled otherwise.
Ebikes can turn off PAS anytime and go meat mode for more exercise. So gatekeep types can turn off their mouths about it, I feel.
kohltrain108@reddit
Hell yea! Good for you and F*CK the haters!
Tuxthapenguin666@reddit
I stopped riding my bike because of how many hills there are and now that I have an e-bike I use that thing non stop. pas1 gear 8 your legs are getting a workout 🤌💪
Ok-Worry-1715@reddit
Don't listen to them, they have nothing good for you. Enjoy your bike as much as I enjoy mine.
Tionetix@reddit
If riding an e-bike is cheating so is driving a car
undefined-user-name@reddit
My ebike (class 1) makes it possible to bike commute the 22 miles to work. Otherwise I would be driving. I can bike 44 miles in a day without electric assist but 12 hour shifts makes it unrealistic. And my e-bike still makes me work and gets my heart rate up. I’ve heard from multiple people that having the e-bike got them in better shape because it was easier to replace the car with the bicycle.
FeistyAdeptness2483@reddit
It’s only cheating if you’re using 100% throttle. On the e-bike atleast you can move through the area faster and see more things. I’d rather ebike 10 miles and enjoy the views while being assisted than to ride a regular bicycle for 2 miles
Accomplished_Data717@reddit
I agree. It gets me out more because I can cover more ground and explore. I live in a city with a really nice bike path system. I put on 30 miles in a day sometimes just riding around on top of my 8 mile commute
FeistyAdeptness2483@reddit
Yupp, in my city we have a lot of those rental bikes that are just a couple bucks an hour. I tried it when I first moved here and it was just too boring. Can’t pedal around the whole city lol. E-bike is a branch to owning a motorcycle basically. You can go 10-30 miles a day on it. On a bicycle unless you’re fit and the weather is good, you’re not going to want to do that
adrewflowers@reddit
People that don't know anything about an ebike always provide unprovoked commentary... Disregard the pundits and cycle on!!!
Cknuck@reddit
You have a right to your opinion. I got one sure to my health and it is helping me get my life together without strain or more damage to my knees.
You don't need to use Max assist anytime at all. You can use a little or no assist if you choose.
Getting people outside for any reason or any amount of exercise is a good thing.
Life is too short. Four heart surgeries and a pacemaker. Four knee surgeries and fifty years of skateboarding and counting. Don't tell me an E bike cannot be beneficial.
Turbulent_Work_6685@reddit
I wear a Whoop fitness tracker. I go to Orange Theory and work out HARD in a 1h class. I also go on a nice ebike ride for typically about an hour.
I also have a few other activities that the Whoop tracks. What I can tell you from that data, objectively, is that if you ride your ebike and pedal the entire time (not throttling) and push with some moderate effort, you will received about 80% of the workout you'd get in that same time at an Orange theory. I get a very significant workout when I go on my eBike. Main difference is I just don't really feel/notice it as much. It's not as much of a workout, more of just having a nice bike ride. Totally different mental impact.
Benchmarking an eBike ride against a normal bike ride, it's about the same 80%. The difference is with the eBike I have a TON more fun and go easily twice as far in the same amount of time and the are no painful uphills.
lFightForTheUsers@reddit
Honestly I presume people with that take are just jeolous. To which I'm not really how to respond other than pity. It's not like they're terribly expensive, I mean I get starting at $800+ seems steep for those used to department store bikes, but it's not terribly expensive for what you get out of it when you start getting that quality level.
I don't think its a jealousy as in oh it has a motor lemme make fun of them, but I do think that is their go-to. They either ride a road bike as a MAMIL (which isn't a problem in itself, more people on bikes is a good thing, but those picking fights over those riding with motor assistance are only hurting the bike community in general), or they don't ride at all and are upset with themselves over it, but instead of taking the saddle like they need to they lash out at others. Crabs in a bucket and all.
It's taken a lot of time to learn how to not let things like that bother me, and honestly it's probably going to be a problem for the rest of my life. But you do you, and so far it looks like it's doing you great! I'm still not doing great myself seemingly stuck at 220 and wanting to go down to 180 for a "healthy" weight, but that is an impressive amount of work you've put in. Great job with improving things and I'm the same way, in that I can't just hop on a treadmill and sweat it out. I fucking hate gyms I can't do them, I have to do work in my daily slice of life to stay fit and the ebike to replace transportation has been a great way to do so, for both the body and the wallet 😂
Didn't mean to turn this into a novel so I'm going to trail off here, but you seem like you are doing great and will continue to do so on two wheels. Good job.
jgainit@reddit
The best workout is the one you do
Great job man!
Clean_Swim_9525@reddit
This is truly inspiring! What’s important is people getting out there enjoying nature. And also makes me feel my Apple Watch burnt cals from my eMTB rides are accurate
lelovila@reddit
When I hear this I just ask if the person do stationary bike exercises.
TimeLifeguard5018@reddit
Ebikes are fantastic for exercise because they make it possible to cycle (mostly) everywhere all of the time.
On my normal bike I would do the commute 1-3 times a week by bike, but other days I'd skip the bike and take the bus or even the car. On my ebike I use it to commute every time I go to work. I also use it for other trips around the city. It means I'm cycling 5-7 days a week, compared to 1-3 on my normal bike.
Ebikes also give more exercise than people give them credit for. On my ebike I can still get my heart rate up into the moderate exercise zone and maintain it easily, it just takes that really sweaty upper end out of it that you get on a normal bike.
And the combination of 30-40 mins light-moderate exercise consistently 5-7 days a week is an absolute changer for health. I'm fitter now with my ebike than I was riding my normal bike 1-3 times a week.
Would I be even fitter if I rode my normal bike the same amount as my ebike? Probably. But am I actually going to do that and maintain it? Definitely not.
For me it's been amazing for my fitness and has changed my life. Still annoys me how many "cheat, lol" comments I get though. 🙃
thatgenxguy78666@reddit
I was just making it home and an older than me gentleman saw me and asked "If I got ANY exercise on that thang?" (or similar) and I just said "more than if I was driving my truck"
I have my bike to pedal,but cheat going up steep hills. There are days my legs are sore,so I know I am going for th eburn.
Rholand_the_Blind1@reddit
The more people on bikes, using the bike lanes and bike paths, the better! IDGAF what's powering the bike as long as it's not a gasoline engine
Suitable_Register958@reddit
Amazing my friend! Congrats! Health is wealth ..don't listen to people they always have something to say
CeticTwist@reddit
Use my bike to go to and from work, I can also head to beach and back which I’ve done, and I’ve done a car commute in it. All on pedal assist
Xonos83@reddit
Such bs. You may not be pedaling as much, but everything else remains. Balance, counterbalance, core strength. I feel bad for people who don't understand, they're missing out. Maybe they deserve it?
Ok-Hall8141@reddit
I also bought an e-bike a few days ago and I hope that I can make just as great a change as you, physically and mentally
DevilsPajamas@reddit
Thats awesome.
A lot of it is just geting out of your house and being outside. Even if you arent exerting as much energy on an ebike as you would with a standard bike, there are a lot of benefits. You get a bit of core workout keeping you upright and you still use the pedals some. One of the bigger factors is you arent in the house sitting in front of a screen with a bag full of chips (speaking from experience here). There are a lot of extra calories burnt just being mildly active than being idle at home, and a lot of calories saved by not just mindlessly snacking.
jamalzia@reddit
Good job big dog
BORRSR@reddit
AWSOME JOB MAN! Really happy for you. Forget what the people say about the e-bikes that’s the best thing you could have possibly done especially someone who had mobility problems.
Proof_Emergency_8033@reddit
you mean e-bikes + wegovy
alttabbins@reddit (OP)
Or if you read my post, e-bikes + diet.
88milestohome@reddit
Changed my life. I never thought I could get out into the mountains or get in decent shape.
DragnBane@reddit
I want an Ebike for exercise, ive got bad arthritis in my knees from the Military, so is ride it and if my knee acts up, im not stranded, I can use the motor to get home
AggravatingSir8630@reddit
Well 65 here and I love my e-bike. I had stopped riding my regular bike as I just didn’t have the stamina anymore. Difference with the e-bike is I can pedal til I’m tired, rest a bit while still pedalling and then drop the power again when I’m ready. Point is I’m pedalling, going farther than I ever could today in a regular bike, building my endurance and maintaining that all important skill…..balance.
Arkrus@reddit
As someone using an ebike as a fat man's walker, I would echo the same from many, some form of exercise is better than none. Every day I'm getting more therapy and starting the pedal assist later and later, one day I might buy an "old school" bike once I don't need an ebike to help me limp home from going well farther than I'm capable of. It's easier to set targets when you have a path.
Hikikomori_Otaku@reddit
¡Nice work!
Ready-Cobbler6694@reddit
Best news I’ve heard all day. You earned where you are at and no one has to understand but you. I really am grateful to see how far you have come! It is inspiring
exatica@reddit
Great job! Your hard work is awesome to see. When people say ebikes are cheating I like to say, "yeah? Say it to my 180 heart rate"
Low_Committee6119@reddit
I got mine just a few weeks ago, down 10 pounds, using lower setting assist more and more.
nphonwheels@reddit
Love this for you. Congrats!
Poundchan@reddit
What bike did you use? Great job man!
alttabbins@reddit (OP)
First couple years were on a Lectric XP and then I upgraded to a Specalized Turbo Vado
palikona@reddit
Fucking awesome!!! What bike did you get?
alttabbins@reddit (OP)
I started with a Lectric XP (the first gen one) and then a couple years after bought a Specialized Turbo Vado 4.0.
doakills@reddit
Yep! Just did The 105 mile ride for reach the beach and a few guys pedalling normal bikes were solid and talked to me and had my Fitbit fitness data and they were shocked at the overall! The Heart rate, oxygen, and what not. They thought it was throttle the entire time and win. Unfortunately even with a dual balancer and 44ah that's not doable to capture the range needed to finish a ride like that. I finished with 46-47v which means I would have been able to chew maybe another 20-25 miles.
So keep pedalling! It is exercise and it's motivating when you can actually do something and not feel like your going to make it.
Upper-Glass-9585@reddit
Great work!
Opteron67@reddit
everyone should be able to ride the bike he wants without jugdement. I do not like ebike for myself, but happy to see more people bicycling because of ebike availability
DIY-exerciseGuy@reddit
I don't care if it's cheating I can ride a bike for reasons other than exercise.
Kinimodes@reddit
Totally cheating
Kinimodes@reddit
Kinimodes@reddit
AvengingAmalek@reddit
Congratulations on improving your health!
BodSmith54321@reddit
Just wanted to say congrats on the weight loss. Great accomplishment.
beeblebr0x@reddit
Hell yeah dude, that's awesome!!
killedbyboar@reddit
Their only exercises with football is pressing the TV remote bottoms to watch the games. You are doing much better.
Initial_Scarcity_609@reddit
Good for you brother!! Just got mine and already feel healthier myself!
itsjustpie@reddit
Way to go, man!!
nymviper1126@reddit
People be so dumb. "Wow you lost weight" "Yea I ride my eBike everywhere" "That's cheating"
Montwizl@reddit
Riding a bike of any sort motor or no takes muscle activation specifically core, it’s complete ignorance from people to say it’s “cheating”. As long as you’re having fun, staying active and exploring your environment on rides you’re good.
Congrats on the weight loss, proud of you.
Double_Intern_3381@reddit
My theory is, if you use a normal bike now, an electric one will make you lose your physical fitness, that's what bothered me.
But if you don't use the bike, an electric bike is the best thing that can happen to you.
bbud613@reddit
Nice try Jared.
alttabbins@reddit (OP)
I have to hurry up and comment before the guards figure out I have a phone. Please send some footlongs, the food here is terrible.
bbud613@reddit
More protein, less carbs!
Militant_Triangle@reddit
Its folks that dont know wtf they are talking about. All you have to do is get that heart rate into the 130-135 range and your doing your body good. Unless you never pedal, an ebike is doing you good. Even IF you never pedal its still doing good, just way less good.
The fact that on my 2nd ebike ride I went 17 miles and ya, I pedaled the whole way. Now I routinely do 30-45 mile rides. My legs returned to their previous pre-injury bulk and so far lost 4 inches off the waste. Just bought my 3rd ebike.... Mild diet tweak and an ebike does wonders. Finally found something I can do since my spine injury. Fuck the haters.
whoknowswhenitsin@reddit
We all start somewhere. The goal is to catch the addiction to biking!
wlexxx2@reddit
good
workout varies with the person
mine was so bad you had to help it all the time if you wanted to average over 10 mph
back to acoustic bike [also the ebike broke]
CptHammer_@reddit
I've got arthritis in my knees. My doctor told me to lose weight to make the pain less. He told me not to walk. He said walk when it's necessary, like to the bathroom. Your knees are like bald tires and you don't have a spare. He recommended an ebike.
Just lifting my legs is like a skinny guy strapping 40lbs to each leg and riding the same bike.
Core muscles are apparently at play just balancing.
I was already riding a regular bike to work, I don't think an ebike is more exercise, but I got one to save my knees.
alttabbins@reddit (OP)
Theres a guy I pass a lot who uses an etrike. He's knees are completely shot and he still rides 10+ miles a day. Ebikes are so incredible and open doors for so many people who'd just end up not getting out at all.
SensibleReply@reddit
I own both. They’re both awesome. You’re awesome too. Great job.
oldfrancis@reddit
Congratulations and ignore the gatekeepers.
SuperflyMD@reddit
That’s amazing. And (side quest) now you can ride the bunny and not the bench on that carousel.
alttabbins@reddit (OP)
I visited Universal Studios when I was almost at my lowest weight. I was still in the mentality that I wouldn't fit on any rides and was beyond ecstatic when I was able to ride everything comfortably, not even having to sit in the big-person seats.
XMoshe@reddit
When buying the bike did you have to worry about the weight limit? That is always an issue in my head, or should I just risk it if I'm not too far over. Gz on the weight loss you look great!
alttabbins@reddit (OP)
I was way over the weight limit of my Lectirc XP. I think they quoted 330 max payload. I just accepted that it would be hard on the bike and made sure to check on it maintenance-wise. It held up really well, I outfitted it for my wife and she rides it now.
XMoshe@reddit
Sounds like a solid approach, thanks for answering!
meerdog3@reddit
I argue you get a better workout on e bikes than traditional. Why? Because they’re more fun and therefore you want to ride longer, and that’s keeps your heart rate up for a longer time.
NoHunter8402@reddit
I’m reading this as I drink a cold refreshing beer after walking from the bus stop, only to be almost hit by a “big guy” on an e-bike. Good for you on the weight loss.
imtheshade@reddit
There was literally a study about this, and they found people who wrote ebikes burned more calories because they didn't come home exhausted from their ride. So they went more than once. A week they rode daily or near enough and they rode for longer. On average than people on pedal bikes so fuck them that say E bikes are cheating
Thejuker11@reddit
Onya mate keep it going
nomadrone@reddit
While e bike, especially mid drive is definitely a nice workout when you want it, but one can’t just lose so much weight solely by ebiking. I suspect some eating habits had to change as well
Doomsdaykey1@reddit
Yeeep, that's why he said he changed his diet :P good reading dude.
nomadrone@reddit
Right, skimming paragraphs sometimes doesn’t pay
Doomsdaykey1@reddit
😜
miknob@reddit
That’s great. Congratulations on your success. E-bikes are a great exercise and you’re proof of it.
ChopstixBear@reddit
Just recently bought an ebike and the head change is awesome. I go to the gym to get my stress out but being on the bike is so freeing. Proud of you OP, good for you keep it up!
FISTfullaFLOYD@reddit
Great job. Keep it up. I'm sometimes reluctant to take my commute on the e-bike , but I never regret the workout after.
anonlite@reddit
Hell yeah man! Bet you’ve gone on some great adventures along the way too. Happy riding!
Crunchybastid@reddit
Moving is moving! That’s the important part! If you’re on your bike pedaling…even with assist, it’s better than sitting on a chair all day. People need to discourage you because they have no faith in themselves. Ignore it all. You’re doing great!!
Freddeh18@reddit
Amazing. It’s the most annoying part of any conversation about biking, but good for you! Well done. Super happy for you!!
BillMillerBBQ@reddit
I've never heard anybody say that you don't get a workout on an e-bike (specifically for mountain biking). What I tell people is that all it does is take the suffering out of mountain biking.
Anxious-Depth-7983@reddit
If I lived my life concerned about how others thought about it, I would have never done anything. You do you, bro.
TaterNips89@reddit
It's almost like you have the choice to use as much or as little assist as you need to get a workout and commute efficiently at the same time, who would have thought!
ChaunceyBillups808@reddit
Amazing! What diet changes did you make??
alttabbins@reddit (OP)
Strict low carb diet.
Ayeaye-ron95@reddit
Good job OP. you are all that matters. Frick em
simdam@reddit
They take you away from the fridge
lilmaneloves@reddit
Holy shit this is an ad better than them OF get this man a beer 🍺 goo job fella fellas getting a ebike was getting an escooter, but think not.
3p1cG4m3r123@reddit
Congrats! Don't let others talk you down. People get envious of the success of others.
Senior-Traffic7843@reddit
Love my e-bike! I see the looks I get, but I don't care!
RefrigeratorLucky151@reddit
I have 2 bad knees and could never go out riding a bicycle if it was not an E-bike. Don’t let anyone tell you differently, if it gets you out the door, than it is a good thing in your life.
YouPushMongo@reddit
good job dude!
Altruistic-Meal5241@reddit
I’m so damn proud of you
Mystery-Ess@reddit
Someone I used to know was saying that and I said you don't have to use the power assist!
frumply@reddit
Super happy for you. Preaching to the choir but you can def track by HR or even get a pedal power meter to track if you want. My Juiced CCS got me back into cycling in 2019 and I’m happy I went w/ it, even if I haven’t replaced it after giving to our nanny and being mostly on the bike trainer or my touring bike after.
I do hope road cycling eventually catches up to golf far as accessibility goes — if you can play a round w/ a handicap and have everyone enjoy themselves, there’s no reason we couldn’t have group rides where motors level things out so no-drop rides aren’t going at 10mph and the fast rides require 300W FTP.
skunkapebreal@reddit
Rock on!
BarryGsTk103rD@reddit
Dope shit bro💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽
Ptarmigan2@reddit
F yeah bro!
AnugNef4@reddit
That is awesome! Ride on
ShawnThePhantom@reddit
Idk man I just don’t believe it was the e-bike. You couldn’t just been dieting and hitting the gym. Stoked you lost weight, I’m really happy for you but I call bs on the ebike part just the same as I would if you told me it was some magic pills.
LePoopScoop@reddit
I don't think you're giving your diet enough credit. Running is not a super great way of burning calories, biking even less
alttabbins@reddit (OP)
Oh my diet was probably 95% of it. I don't pretend that its not. But Even losing 500-1000 extra calories a day riding helped a lot. Metabolism is huge and keeping my muscles active helps a ton.
Lonesome_Pine@reddit
Fuck yeah dude!
MelBuckpitt@reddit
Congratulations
Zenigata@reddit
Great job. Ebikes are a superb entry point into everyday cycling for people who for a variety of reasons find riding an unassisted bike problematic. You'd hope all cyclists would be happpy to have more people cycling but sadly you always get some gate keeping puritans determined to yuck other peoples yum.
NJdestroyed@reddit
I lost just a few pounds commuting on my ebike, but I was mostly in level 3. Level 2 gives you more of a leg workout. It's still effort, just not as much
ampocalypse@reddit
Being able to enjoy your outings…
checks notes
Is motivation.
Seriously i am proud of you. Great job
Bikermec@reddit
Which ebike did you use?
alttabbins@reddit (OP)
I used a Lectric XP for a couple of years and then upgraded to a Specialized Turbo Vado 4.0. I still have the XP, my wife rides it now.
Wolf-Strong@reddit
That’s amazing! Great work!
DoubleOwl7777@reddit
thats solid. these people have obviously never ridden one. heck an example of this is ews-e, where very fit, skinny guys race on emtbs.
geoguy78@reddit
My class 3 mid drive with torque sensor is definitely a workout, I just go farther and faster on my workout 😂 good on you!
ripwild@reddit
Nice work, dude!!!
terdward@reddit
I can’t express in text how happy I am for you. This is incredible! You should be extremely proud of what you’ve accomplished. E-bikes are the best thing to happen for folks with mobility limitations and do so much to remove barriers for folks who would otherwise never ride a bicycle.
DangerousAd1731@reddit
Great work!